Steven May and Adam Tomlinson during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The Western Bulldogs are unlikely to pursue Melbourne's Adam Tomlinson with Liam Jones set for a return to Whitten Oval.

The Demons defender was touted to find a third club this off-season despite his contract status at Melbourne.

Tomlinson is thought to have completed a medical at the Kennel, with the Bulldogs showing interest in the 29-year-old key defender.

Speaking to AFL trade radio on Tuesday, reporter Cal Twomey shut down rumours connecting the Demon to the Bulldogs.

"The Bulldogs won't be getting Adam Tomlinson," he said

"They have Liam Jones coming in, so they won't pursue Tomlinson."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Liam Jones of the Bulldogs kicks during the round 12 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Port Adelaide Power at Etihad Stadium on June 17, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Jones, age 31, will be a welcome addition to a struggling Western Bulldogs backline. Before retiring due to the AFL's now removed vaccination mandate, the tall defender played 19 games for Carlton in 2021.

With Jones' arrival a short-term fix for the Bulldogs' key back issues, it is unknown whether the club will target a key defender younger than Tomlinson.