Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Liverpool star Curtis Jones ahead of Aston Villa this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
The Magpies have had a disappointing campaign and currently sit 13th in the table following a win over Brighton at the weekend, which saw them snap a five-game losing streak. But Eddie Howe is expected to keep his job heading into the new season, and a rebuild is on the cards.
With several first-team stars at St James' Park reportedly being eyed for an exit, Howe has now identified Jones as a player he believes fits the profile to fit into his team next season.
Newcastle Push for Curtis Jones Transfer
Curtis Jones vs Inter
Jones, who has been described as 'incredible', is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield this summer, and an exit away from his boyhood club has emerged as a genuine possibility.
Aston Villa are understood to have already made contact over a deal for the summer, while Inter Milan tried to sign him in January and could return at the end of the season once more. But now Newcastle have joined the race, and are keeping close tabs on his situation.
Jones is understood to be keen on a move to Inter Milan, feeling that a fresh challenge in a new country could be good for him. But Newcastle are prepared to be in the mix for his signature, and believe he could be the ideal replacement for Sandro Tonali, who has been heavily linked with a move away.
Newcastle are therefore assessing their options for the summer window, and Jones is someone who sits high at the top of their shortlist, although no formal move has been made at this stage.
Newcastle Could Have Edge in Jones Talks
Curtis Jones
Jones is a Liverpool fan, and it's highly unlikely that he will be pushing to leave Anfield this summer. However, it's clear that there is no agreement close on a new deal, and that decision may well be taken out of his hands.
A move to Inter would be a new challenge for him, but they have just won Serie A with a dominant midfield and he may find it difficult to break into the side there. Similarly, at Aston Villa, he would face huge competition from the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, and Amadou Onana for a starting spot.
At Newcastle, especially if Tonali leaves, there is a gaping hole in the middle for him to walk into and make an immediate impact, which Howe will no doubt tell him, and will give him some major thinking to do.
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