Blackburn put £10m price tag on wonderkid

Jones’ contract at Blackburn is set to expire in the summer of 2015, but Allardyce expects clubs to be interested in the youngster.

“When you look at Chris Smalling’s situation, he plays four games and is sold for £10m,” said Allardyce. “That’s how quickly things happen when a new player emerges on the scene.

“When they play consistently well, then it’s bound to attract some of the big boys.

“I do fear a big club will come and take him, and it doesn’t matter he is currently on a longish-term contract because if they offer enough money we would have to sell. It’s as simple as that.”