The 28-year-old, who has been capped 71 times by his country, will be free to move when his present deal expires at the end of the season.

Peel has been heavily linked with a return to his homeland, with Llanelli Scarlets thought to be the frontrunners for his signature.

But Jones, who took over the reins from Philippe Saint-André last year, is confident the former British Lion will stay on in Manchester.

"We want to keep him here. I'd be very, very surprised if he plays for the Scarlets next season," said Jones.

"You can show that on auntie's bloopers as he leads the team out next year. But I'd be very surprised if he does.

"I think we have a very good chance of keeping him here, but he has lots of options. Dwayne could take his pick, I'm sure, at the moment.

"It depends whether it's money, rugby – I'm sure it's a balance of everything. He needs to look after his future. He needs to play at the best club he can play at and hopefully that's Sale Sharks.

"But I think we'll find out by the end of this month, really. We've had one meeting with his agent and we'll get together again at the end of this month."