Jason McAteer revealed Ashley Cole is a big admirer of Curtis Jones, as reports suggest the Liverpool midfielder may stay beyond this summer
22:14, 17 Jul 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Curtis Jones of Liverpool looks on during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Curtis Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer has revealed that Ashley Cole is a huge admirer of Curtis Jones, as speculation continues to swirl around the midfielder's future at Anfield this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Betarades, McAteer said his time working alongside Cole with England's youth setup left no doubt about the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender's regard for Jones, who recently addressed the matter on social media.
"I'm a big fan of Curtis. I've spent two weeks very closely with Ashley Cole and he absolutely raves about Curtis Jones. I'd go as far to say he's his favourite player," McAteer said. "He had a lot of time with Curtis in the U21s and he thought he had a massive part of everything they did well. Loved working with him, loved his attitude."
McAteer went on to acknowledge his own personal connection to the 25-year-old, given his homegrown status at Liverpool.
"And these are the things I love about Curtis. He's a homegrown player so I have a little bit more of an emotional tie to him. I'm probably gonna talk about Curtis with more of an emotional attachment rather than as a pundit," he said.
While praising Jones' qualities, McAteer was also honest about areas where the midfielder could improve, saying, "He does have his flaws. I do think at times he keeps hold of the ball a little bit too long, he slows it down a little bit too much at times."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 19: Curtis Jones of Liverpool taps the badge as he celebrates victory during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Jones looks as though he could be staying at Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
He continued: "But his skillset is phenomenal, he sees a pass, his control is fantastic, he can speed it up when he wants to. He can execute a range of passes and he can nick a goal."
Jones' future has become one of the more closely watched storylines of Liverpool's summer, with Inter Milan having shown consistent interest in the England international. According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, however, negotiations between the two clubs have stalled, with Inter reportedly offering between €25-30 million while Liverpool is holding out for at least €40 million.
Jones is entering the final year of his current contract, which he signed back in 2022 under Jurgen Klopp, adding urgency to the situation for a club that risks losing him for free in 2027 if no agreement is reached.
Curtis Jones is in the paddock ahead of the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco in Monaco on June 7, 2026. (Photo by Piotr Zajac/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool has rejected a second bid for Jones from Inter Milan(Image: Getty Images)
Adding to the sense that Jones may remain at Anfield, reports have also indicated that Nottingham Forest, previously mentioned as a potential Premier League suitor, no longer views the midfielder as a transfer priority, having instead turned their attention to other targets.
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New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has made his own admiration for Jones clear since taking charge, describing him as "a great, great player" and expressing hope that the midfielder remains part of his rebuilding project.
"I will have the chance to speak with him today. I rate Curtis very highly," Iraola said. "From the outside, at least, he looks like a player with good character, and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time."
With Inter yet to meet Liverpool's valuation and other suitors falling away, the growing expectation among Liverpool supporters is that Jones could remain on Merseyside beyond this transfer window, potentially even signing a new contract if he impresses under Iraola in the coming months.