Former Newcastle centre-back Steve Howey has told Steve Bruce to consider signing Phil Jones, amid a deadline day fiasco with Craig Hope claiming the Toon manager is trying to arrange deals himself with the official club line that their business is done.

The Manchester United defender hasn't made a competitive appearance for the Red Devils since an FA Cup tie at Tranmere in January 2020 – and spent the whole of last season out with a knee problem.

Jones did make his United return in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley earlier this month but appears some way down the pecking order despite Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer confirming the England defender remains in his plans.

According to the Daily Mail, Mapgies boss Bruce has been keeping a close eye on the 29-year-old as he looks to bolster his defensive numbers following their wretched start to the Premier League season.

Newcastle have already conceded eight goals in three matches and have already tried five different central defenders in those three outings.

Bruce's only significant addition to his squad this summer was the permanent capture of Joe Willock from Arsenal having missed out on Kristoffer Ajer, who eventually joined Brentford.

But with time running out, Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Bruce should keep his options open and explore the possibility of bringing in Jones:

"He's been at Manchester United for a long time, he's played for his country. But he's been frozen out completely and is struggling for first-team places.

"These are the players you might want to look at and weigh up the options about acquiring their services."