Newcastle United should avoid signing Aston Villa centre-back Tyrone Mings this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Eddie Howe looks likely to try to bolster his back line in the off-season, and he could turn to Mings, who he previously worked with at Bournemouth.

What's the latest news involving Mings?

Mings captained Villa throughout the 2021/22 season, making 36 top-flight appearances for the side as they sealed a 14th-placed finish under Steven Gerrard.

His performances appear to have sufficiently impressed Newcastle, who are interested in adding the England international to their squad, as reported by The Mirror.

The Magpies could be prepared to spend £35m to secure the 29-year-old's services.

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What has Jones said about Mings potentially joining Newcastle?

Jones feels Mings' displays in the second half of the season have left a lot to be desired, and he thinks Newcastle should steer clear of signing him, particularly as fellow defender Dan Burn seems to have made the left centre-back role his own since joining in January.

Reacting to Newcastle being linked with Mings, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’d stay away from Mings that’s for sure, based on the second half of the season that he’s had. The sort of money being talked about as well, stay away. But Dan Burn has been an absolute revelation, and Eddie Howe is delighted with how he’s fitted in.”

Should Newcastle move for Mings?

As Jones mentioned, Mings has not been in the best of form since the turn of the year, and this has led to him being dropped from the latest England squad.

It also seems that Gerrard may have doubts about him as he has previously stated that he will make a decision on Villa's next captain this summer, indicating that Mings could be stripped of the armband.

Newcastle have lofty ambitions, and could be looking to push for Europe next term after finishing 11th this time around.

Mings is yet to finish in the top half of the league with Villa, and it appears that he may have found his level as a player who can do a solid job in a mid to bottom-half team.

Therefore, it is hard to see him improving Newcastle's back four, and Howe would be better off looking elsewhere for a better and perhaps cheaper option.