Curtis Jones's future is up in the air – and that could represent an opportunity for Liverpool
Curtis Jones.
Curtis Jones could be on the way out the door(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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One option stands out above all the rest if Liverpool need to replace Curtis Jones this summer. Jones has been the subject of major transfer interest and could still leave before the window slams shut.
Iraola previously admitted he would like to keep the midfielder at Liverpool for the upcoming season. Speaking in July, the Reds boss dubbed the midfielder a "great player" and urged him to remain at Anfield.
Iraola said: "It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. 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."
However, those words arguably bely the current situation that Jones finds himself in. Inter Milan have been after Jones since January and have seen two bids knocked back for the 25-year-old.
The second of those was worth £21.7million back in June, while further contact was made last month over a potential £30million deal. However, that still falls short of Liverpool's valuation of £35m.
Ultimately the two clubs are not poles apart over a valuation for a player who will leave Anfield for free next summer – if he does not move now or agree a new deal with the Reds. Should he depart, that would leave Iraola a little short in midfield, both in more general terms and when it comes to proven experience.
In an ideal scenario, a Jones exit would be followed by a swift replacement – and one of a higher calibre. Iraola's dream replacement on that basis would potentially be Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton; a player who has long been linked with a move to Liverpool.
The 22-year-old is in high demand, with reported interest in him also coming from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.
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Adam Wharton.
Adam Wharton could be the perfect addition to Iraola's side(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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Palace are desperate to keep hold of the midfielder and have slapped a £78m price tag on his head. His acquisition would act as the perfect defensive reinforcement for Iraola, with his impressive rate of interceptions and his short-passing game marking him out as a quality addition.
Not only that but Liverpool would also be getting a player yet to hit the peak of his powers. Wharton has excelled both at home and in Europe at the age of 22. There can be no doubt that there is still plenty more to come from the former Blackburn Rovers man.
To that end he would fit seamlessly into a team that looks to have progression in its DNA. Hugo Ekitike is still only 24, Jeremy Jacquet is 21, Giovanni Leoni is 19, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz are both 23, while Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumhoa are also in their teens. All of them would expect to be in and around the Liverpool first-team this season.
Adding Wharton to the line-up would also allow Ryan Gravenberch to play further forward and provide assistance to Dominik Szoboszlai in attacking areas.
Of course, the England international wouldn't come cheap – and any move would likely depend on Jones's own future. But as dream replacements go, Wharton would be right up there.