Curtis Jones is “seriously considering” leaving Liverpool this summer, according to reports, with Aston Villa among the clubs interested as he enters his final year.
Jones will have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season and logic dictates that, if he does not sign a new deal, he will be sold.
Liverpool already rebuffed interest in the Scouser in January, with Inter Milan making overtures, but there is a stronger chance a transfer can be agreed in the summer.
talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook reports that Aston Villa have joined Tottenham in their interest in a deal for the 25-year-old.
He claims Jones is “strongly considering” a departure from his boyhood club as he has “become frustrated” with his role under Arne Slot.
Curtis Jones “frustrated” with role under Arne Slot
Jones has made 44 appearances so far this season but has started just 23 games – and only six times in the last three months.
Tottenham‘s chances of turning their long-standing interest into a permanent signing would clearly hinge on ensuring their Premier League status, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side currently 18th with five games to play.
But Villa could represent an ideal landing spot for Jones, with the Midlands club on course for another season in the Champions League.
Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho will both depart Villa at the end of their loans while no decision has been made on whether Douglas Luiz’s deal will be made permanent.
Ross Barkley enters the final year of his contract this summer and Morgan Rogers is being tipped to leave with Liverpool among the sides interested.
There would appear to be a clear vacancy in Unai Emery’s midfield and a player of Jones’ quality and elite-level experience would undoubtedly be a strong signing.
However there is a convincing argument for Liverpool to push to keep their No. 17, who is the only local-born player in the first team and is deserving of a more focal role in the squad.
Slot appears to have made his mind up on Jones as a first-choice starter though, as was the case with Elliott last summer.
If the Dutchman remains as head coach it would be no surprise if the Toxteth-born midfielder accepts his fate and makes a bittersweet exit at the end of his ninth season in the senior setup.
The Big Debate
What next for Curtis Jones?
Jones’ future at Anfield remains uncertain. With Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Tottenham looming and the 25-year-old entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool face a massive decision: reward the midfielder with a new deal or cash in on the only Scouser left in the first team.
Should Liverpool fight to keep Jones, or is it time for both parties to move on? Let us know in the comments!