The Welsh international midfielder's free transfer move from Wrexham is on hold after he sustained a facial injury in a freak accident.

Jones' progress has stunted in the past couple of season due to injury problems, but Posh are prepared to give his career a new lease of life.

The 23 year-old had agreed terms with boss Darren Ferguson and was all set to become a Posh player providing he passed a medical, but he now needs an operation after cracking a cheekbone while playing with a family relative in his garden.

Ferguson confirmed he will still sign his former Wrexham team-mate, but Jones faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the season.

Ferguson said: "I spoke to Mark, we agreed terms and he was coming down to sign, but unbelievably he has cracked his cheekbone and now needs an operation. He got caught in the face by a bat, went to hospital and they found the damage.

"He will have to have a few weeks of rest while he recovers because even running will impact on his face, but we can get a thorough medical done in that time.

"It means he won't be able to come to Spain with us at the end of next week and it will be touch and go whether he is ready for the start of the season.

"He is bitterly disappointed about it."

The start of his Posh career might have been delayed, but Ferguson has praised Jones for ignoring interest from other clubs to opt for a move to London Road. Ferguson revealed Jones knocked back more lucrative offers from elsewhere.

He added: "Mark had a really good season a couple of years ago, but has had some injuries since while there has also been changes of manager and playing style at Wrexham.

"But there is no doubt he is a good player and he just needs to get back playing football again. He has made an excellent footballing decision in coming here because he could have gone to other clubs for more money.

"We have got him on a free and his wages are not astronomical either."

Ferguson was due to hold talks with another target today. He declined to reveal the identity or even position of the player concerned but did confirm any transfer would involve a fee.