NEWCASTLE UNITED are the bookmakers' favourites to sign Phil Jones ahead of Tuesday night's transfer deadline.

Steve Bruce has admitted he is not in a position to make another permanent signing this month, but the Magpies manager remains hopeful of being able to secure a new addition on loan.

Bruce has been targeting a new centre-half for the last couple of transfer windows, with deals having fallen through for both Rob Holding and Kristoffer Ajer.

Florian Lejeune left Tyneside on a permanent basis earlier this summer, so Bruce would like to add another central defender to the ranks.

Jones has endured a nightmare couple of seasons with injury, and has not started a Premier League game since February 2020.

He is expected to return to full fitness within a month or so though, and Manchester United are open to loan offers for the former England international.