The Jets have been linked with the 41-year-old ex- Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper who is out of contract since leaving Perth Glory.

Covic moved back to Sydney in the off-season to be closer to family and trained with Sydney FC but has failed to win an A-League deal.

Newcastle lost Mark Birighitti to Premier League club Swansea City in the off-season, while Ben Kennedy recently sustained an Achilles injury.

Olyroo Jack Duncan stepped in as number one in the 1-1 draw with Adelaide United on Sunday, but committed an error for the Reds’ goal. Youngster Pierce Clark was Duncan’s back-up on Sunday.

Covic made 54 appearances for the Jets between 2007 and 2009 and has been linked with a return to the Hunter outfit as a replacement player.

“It’s about trying to find what’s the best option for us,” Jones said.

“We do need a quality second or first keeper, or someone to put pressure on.

“He would be a good option but it’s a long way from being done.

“It’s just one of our options. We’ve got to talk to every option and see who we can get on board.”

Jones refused to condemn Duncan for his mistake which led to Jesse Makarounas’ simple goal.

“It was disappointing to concede a goal in that fashion,” Jones said.

“Hopefully they don’t come again. It was a miscommunication.

“It’s something we need to try to avoid. He’s a young goalkeeper on a big occasion but overall I thought he had a decent performance.”

Meanwhile, Jones was forced into three substitutions during the match due to injuries, revealing Daniel Mullen was the most serious with a knee issue.

Jason Hoffman has a calf complaint while Finnish striker Aleksander Kokko, who was replaced on 37 minutes, had an Achilles spasm.

“Hopefully they’re not long-term injuries,” Jones said.

“It doesn’t look good for Dan, it’s a medial.”