Liverpool could be on the verge of resolving one of their more pressing squad issues this summer, with Nottingham Forest emerging as a strong and credible suitor for academy graduate Curtis Jones.
The 25-year-old midfielder is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield, and with no extension talks currently on the horizon, the Reds appear open to considering offers for the England international.
The opportunity has arisen following Manchester City’s blockbuster £116 million move for Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. The Premier League champions’ significant investment in the former Newcastle youngster leaves Forest in need of midfield reinforcements and, crucially, armed with substantial funds to pursue their targets.
Forest have already been linked with a move for Jones as they look to bolster their engine room ahead of the new season. Should Liverpool be willing to engage, the Tricky Trees are well-positioned to meet the club’s reported £35 million valuation — a stark contrast to the situation with Inter Milan.
The Serie A club have tracked Jones since January but have so far failed to impress the Merseyside outfit. Liverpool rejected a £21 million bid from Inter, which fell significantly short of their asking price. According to reports, sporting director Richard Hughes has shown little appetite for drawn-out negotiations with the Italians, who are not considered a serious contender at this stage.
A timely exit route
For Liverpool and new head coach Andoni Iraola, parting ways with Jones could provide both financial flexibility and squad space as they reshape the midfield. The academy product has shown flashes of his considerable talent but has struggled for consistent starts in recent seasons. A move to a ambitious Premier League side like Forest could offer the regular playing time he needs to fulfil his potential while allowing Liverpool to recoup a healthy fee for a homegrown player.
The contrast in approaches from potential buyers is notable. While Inter’s lowball offer was quickly dismissed, Forest’s financial muscle — boosted by the Anderson sale — makes them a far more realistic proposition.
Setback in Salah replacement pursuit
Elsewhere, Liverpool have suffered a significant blow in their search for attacking reinforcements. Top target Yan Diomande, identified as the ideal long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, is understood to favour a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 19-year-old Ivory Coast international has been the subject of strong interest from the Reds, who are said to have lodged an £86 million offer to RB Leipzig. However, The Athletic reports that Diomande has set his sights on PSG, believing the project in the French capital offers him the best platform to compete for major trophies and challenge for the Ballon d’Or. He is also keen to work under manager Luis Enrique.
The blow comes despite Liverpool already securing the services of Victor Munoz and Diomande’s previous openness to a Premier League move. “I don’t know. I’m an RB Leipzig player, but why not?” he said earlier when asked about the possibility. “In the end, my agents take care of that. As for me, I’m more focused on the World Cup.”
What next for Liverpool?
With the summer transfer window in full swing, the potential departure of Jones could help fund further incoming business as Iraola looks to stamp his authority on the squad. Whether Forest can get a deal over the line remains to be seen, but the alignment of interests suggests Liverpool may have found their ideal solution to the Curtis Jones situation.
For a club that values its academy graduates highly, cashing in at the right price while opening the door for new arrivals would represent smart business in a challenging market.