Curtis Jones’ status within Arne Slot’s midfield options was underlined on Wednesday as he once again took his place on the Liverpool bench.
The Scouser has seen his importance to the Reds rise over recent weeks, starting six Premier League matches in a row across Christmas and New Year.
But despite his entry into Slot’s regular Liverpool XI, Jones has still found himself out of the team on the bigger occasions.
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How much longer should Liverpool persevere with Curtis Jones?
Surely there are better options out there in the market…
Curtis Jones lines up ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Getty Images/Photo Agency).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Photo Agency
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He did not play a minute of the 0-0 draw against Arsenal, and featured for only the final 11 of Wednesday’s crucial trip to Marseille.
As he continues to flounder in his attempts to nail down a place in the team, Jones has been linked with a surprise move away during the January transfer window. With Tottenham Hotspur reportedly circling the Liverpool academy graduate, journalist Ben Jacobs has explained just how likely a move away from Anfield could be.
Tottenham Hotspur set for unsuccessful Curtis Jones pursuit
Turning 25 later this month, Jones is no longer a plucky young hopeful looking to make it at his boyhood club.
Harbouring hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad – and keeping his place beyond the summer – you could not blame the Reds’ No. 17 if he was starting to look at his options with regard to leaving Liverpool.
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According to Jacobs, though, Liverpool’s current position makes it difficult to envisage a departure for Jones in 2026.
“This is definitely a player that Tottenham have on their radar,” the journalist said on the Last Word On Spurs podcast. “The challenge, I think, is that Liverpool don’t want to do business, which is probably why nothing will come with it in the coming days.
“Perhaps one for the summer, but from Liverpool’s perspective. They’re quite thin on the ground at the moment. I know he’s not identical in any way, shape, or form to Harvey Elliot. But ultimately, Liverpool still feel that in Jones, they’ve got somebody versatile that can play in a number of different positions.”
Tottenham want a British transfer record for Micky van de Ven! Surely there are cheaper alternatives? 😵💫
Micky van de Ven in action for Tottenham Hotspur during their UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
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“As a consequence, I think it’s going to be very difficult for Tottenham to make any progress.”
How much is Curtis Jones worth?
Ask Liverpool supporters whether they think Jones should be sold and you are likely to hear a full range of opinions.
There are those who believe the 24-year-old warrants a place in Slot’s best XI, others who think he is a good squad player and nothing more, and some who would pack his bags for him if an offer arrives.
From Liverpool’s point of view, though, they are clearly happy with what Jones is offering right now.
As a versatile, home-grown player who still has his best years ahead of him, it would take an awful lot of money for Spurs to even begin a conversation here.
It would certainly be upwards of £50m, with the likelihood that Liverpool would settle for something in the £55-60m range. If an offer like that comes in, it would be fascinating to see how the Reds react. For now, however, it seems as though Jones is going nowhere.
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