Washington - President-elect Barack Obama has settled on James L Jones as his national security advisor, the top foreign policy post in the White House, CNN reported Friday, citing sources in Obama's transition team.

Jones, a decorated retired Marine Corps general who commanded US and NATO forces in Europe earlier this decade, is still undergoing a vetting process before being officially offered the position.

Jones was an informal advisor during Obama's presidential campaign and was even suggested by some as a possible vice presidential pick. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded several military medals.

Jones had also been considered for secretary of state or secretary of energy, Politico.com reported. Jones currently heads an energy institute of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Jones is the latest cabinet or White House staff member to have been leaked to the media by the Obama team.

No cabinet positions have been officially announced. Others already reported as likely by US media include: Hillary Clinton as secretary of state; Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano to head the Homeland Security Department; former Senate majority leader Tom Daschle for health secretary; and Eric Cantor as the first African American attorney general.

Obama aides told Bloomberg news that Clinton's nomination as the US' top diplomat was "on track" and could be announced before the end of the month.