THE Premier League’s big guns are jostling for position in the race to sign teenage sensation Phil Jones – as Blackburn Rovers brace themselves for an ‘inevitable’ bid.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is understood to be lining up a move for Jones, once he has captured Sunderland youngster Jordan Henderson, as he looks to build a squad around England’s top young players.

With Jones currently away on England U21 duty, no official bid has yet been launched by the Reds or anyone else but their very real interest is understood to have put their rivals back on red alert and looks set to spark a summer auction for his services.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were all believed to be ready to wait until next summer before making Jones their top target but are now monitoring Liverpool’s movements closely.

Arsene Wenger had an £8million bid for the defender turned down last summer, while Chelsea had tentative enquiries rebuffed by Rovers during the last transfer window in January.

Rovers though will not sell their home-grown star without a fight and, having tied him down to a five-year deal last season, it would take a huge bid to even tempt the club into selling.

Jones himself is content with life at Ewood Park but, should a big-money bid be accepted this summer, the chance of a move to a top Premier League club would prove too much to resist for him.

Dalglish watched Jones a number of times towards the end of last season but is unlikely to make an official move for him before securing the purchase of under 21 team mate Jordan Henderson, which is expected to be sealed early next week.

With the Rovers defender set to travel to Denmark for the under 21 European championships on Wednesday, Liverpool may wait until the tournament is over before making their bid official.

Sources close to Wenger have revealed the Arsenal boss sees Jones very much as part of his long term plans and would immediately respond should Liverpool submit an official bid.

Rovers boss Steve Kean has already said he is hopeful of keeping Jones at Ewood Park this summer and it is unlikely Rovers would listen to any offers under £20million, with the chase expected to continue for most of the summer.