Curtis Jones could have a role to play in Liverpool's proposed summer transfer pursuit of Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Micky van de Ven in action for Spurs.
Liverpool can secure a Micky van de Ven transfer discount by a player Jurgen Klopp loves heading to Tottenham.(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))
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Liverpool might well have the perfect solution to saving money on a summer transfer for Micky van de Ven. Arne Slot's side have emerged as serious contenders to sign the centre-back as he is hesitant to sign a new contract at Tottenham, according to reports.
Van de Ven signed a six-year deal when he joined Spurs from Wolfsburg for £43million with the club looking for double that amount if they do sell him. Reports have argued that Tottenham have slapped a £100million asking price on his shoulders with Thomas Frank recently responding to whether or not the club can match his ambitions.
He said: "I just saw Micky today, he seems very happy, smiling. He was very happy after the game that we won when he was in the changing room after the game.
"I think Micky is an excellent player. I think he's a fantastic ambassador for this club. I think he has potentially his best season so far he's had.
"He's fit, he's strong, good defensively and he's growing as a leader, scoring goals, as well. He's a very important player for us this season and for the future."
Spurs have been particularly busy in January having sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace before then signing Brazilian left-back Souza and Conor Gallagher.
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Despite signing the latter, they are in desperate need of a progressive passer in midfield with Liverpool star Curtis Jones emerging as someone on their radar, according to The Times.
The 24-year-old sees his current contract expire in the summer of 2027 with a decision needing to be made ahead of the 2026/27 season to avoid another free agent scenario.
Liverpool are unlikely to want to sell Jones, but given Tottenham's interest and their need for a centre-back - with van de Ven likely high up on the list - a deal could materialise especially as there looks to be an open line of communication between the two clubs with talks taking place for Andy Robertson join the north London outfit.
However, Slot has spoken highly of Jones recently with the Englishmen one of few consistently good performers for Liverpool this season.
He said earlier this month: "One of the main qualities he has is that he always wants to have the ball no matter the situation, 99 times out of 100 that is very positive.
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is a Tottenham transfer target.(Image: Getty Images)
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"Sometimes it is smarter to stay away or not go to a difficult situation, but if he had one in the corner he is able to bring himself out of the situation and play the ball.
"The most positive thing for him is that he is able to stay fit for four or five games in a row, now, 90 minutes every time."
Jurgen Klopp was also a huge fan of Jones with that made abundantly clear early into his Liverpool career when he scored twice in a 7-2 Carabao Cup victory over Lincoln.
The former Liverpool head coach said: "First half really good, start of the second half really good.
"There is still space for improvement, but everyone knows my opinion of Curtis Jones - he is an exceptional talent and we will have some fun with him I am pretty sure in the future.
"Both goals were difficult. The second one the first touch was absolutely exceptional between two opponents and then he opens up and sees the opportunity and he finishes it off."