Steve Howey believes Newcastle United could make a move for Manchester United outcast Phil Jones by offering the defender a pay-as-you-play deal.

Having made 224 appearances for the club, with 200 of those coming in the Premier League, Jones has not featured for the Red Devils since the 2019/20 season due to a string of injuries.

Although the transfer deadline is just a matter of hours away, reports suggest Manchester United are willing to allow Jones to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer in a bid to resurrect his career. It comes with Newcastle United, Everton, West Ham United, Southampton, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Burnley all keeping tabs on the situation.

Jones still has two years remaining on his £75,000-per-week contract with the Red Devils and there is an option to extend the deal by another 12 months.

Newcastle have been frustrated in the transfer market and only been able to sign Joe Willock, in a switch worth in excess of £20million, from Arsenal.

Former Magpies defender Howey believes boss Steve Bruce should consider offering Jones a way out of Old Trafford.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “He’s got vast experience. It’s just a question of whether he can do it in the Premier League anymore.

“Does he feel as though he could go somewhere else and restart his career? Possibly, but it just depends on injuries.

“Because of his injuries, he has got to be sensible and not demand a two-year contract but have belief in his ability and faith in his body, so be willing to take a pay-as-you-play deal.”