---
title: "Newcastle may have to settle for loan move for Phil Jones"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2020/12/11/newcastle-may-have-to-settle-for-loan-move-for-phil-jones/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-12-11T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2020-12-11T07:00:00Z"
---

# Newcastle may have to settle for loan move for Phil Jones

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has insisted that Steve Bruce will only be able to make a loan move for Manchester United defender [Phil Jones](https://readnewcastle.com/2020/12/09/newcastle-making-checks-on-phil-jones-ahead-of-january-window/) in January, with finances being kept tight due to the ongoing takeover situation.

The Magpies remain involved in a legal arbitration with the Premier League over the blocking of the £300m proposed takeover from PIF in the summer. Whilst that process is underway, Ashley is still maintaining hope that the Premier League could potentially alter their stance and provide fresh hope for the takeover to be completed, as per [The Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18931332.newcastle-interested-signing-phil-jones-loan/).

That stance is set to impact upon Bruce’s plans for January, with the Newcastle manager [reportedly monitoring](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/transfers/2020-2021/west-ham-target-christian-eriksen-anthony-martial-could-leave-man-utd-newcastle-want-phil-jones_sto8023381/story-amp.shtml) Jones’ situation at Manchester United and making checks on him via Old Trafford first team coach Michael Carrick. However, it has now emerged that the Magpies’ only chances of signing him will be to agree a loan deal with the Red Devils, according to [The Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18931332.newcastle-interested-signing-phil-jones-loan/).

Manchester United are [likely to demand](https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/transfers/2020-2021/west-ham-target-christian-eriksen-anthony-martial-could-leave-man-utd-newcastle-want-phil-jones_sto8023381/story-amp.shtml) that Newcastle pay the majority of the one-time England regular’s £100,000-a-week wages were they to sanction any potential temporary switch for him. Newcastle would have had to get the defender to agree to a wage cut had they attempted a permanent move as they do not want him to be their highest earner, as per [The Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18931332.newcastle-interested-signing-phil-jones-loan/).

### **Read Newcastle verdict**

It seems from this report that the takeover saga is far from finished in the eyes of Ashley, which remains a positive for the Magpies in the long run. However, hope of a restoration or breakthrough for the takeover are having an impact on what Bruce can do to add to his squad in the forthcoming transfer window.

Jones would not be a popular addition among [some Newcastle supporters](https://readnewcastle.com/2020/12/09/newcastle-fans-unimpressed-phil-jones-transfer-rumours/), so perhaps news of only a loan move for him at best will be a seen as encouraging for them. However, the defender is someone who Bruce feels can offer extra quality to his defensive options and it is not ideal for him to be constantly having to borrow players.

When it gets to the summer transfer window, Newcastle must have more clarity over their future ownership, with loan moves in January having to do for the moment. However, it is not a transfer policy which is ideal for the long-term stability of the squad.