Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister expects the club to sign a new centre-half in the summer transfer window.

Pallister believes that Phil Jones' career hasn't really taken off at Old Trafford and he is expected to fall further down the pecking order following the arrival of a new centre-half.

However, he hopes the talented 24-year-old can overcome a horror run with injuries and become a key player for the Red Devils, much in the mould of England international Chris Smalling.

He told The Independent: "I think they probably will look for another centre-half," said Pallister. "We were hoping Phil Jones might make that step but he's been blighted with injuries. He finds himself in a similar position to what Chris Smalling was at the start of the year.

"We've been waiting all year for him (Jones) to be challenging. But because of injuries he's not really got started this season at all. He arrived at Manchester United and played some fantastic games at centre-half and then he ended up in midfield and then at right-back and his career seemed to go off the rails along with injuries.

"So he's not had a real chance to restart it again. I hope he does get the chance as the player's got ability. But if someone's got injury problems like that it's very difficult to rely on him. You certainly see United going and buying another centre-half."