Liverpool could be in the market for midfielders in the final two weeks of the transfer window, with Curtis Jones set to leave and join Inter Milan.
Curtis Jones #17 of Liverpool stands on the pitch during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
As Curtis Jones seems set to leave Liverpool, there may be some replacements needed in the transfer market(Image: (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
Liverpool's midfield is set for a major change, as Curtis Jones is preparing to leave the club in favor of a switch to Inter Milan in the coming days.
The academy graduate has been a target for the Nerazzurri over the course of the summer, with two offers made to try and tempt the Reds into accepting a deal.
The third time appears to be the charm, as reports claim that Liverpool has verbally agreed to a deal with Inter Milan for Jones, which will now see him leave the club with just one year remaining on his contract.
That could prompt the club to enter the market, with a mixture of options available on the transfer front to help add quality and depth moving forward.
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So, with that said, here's a look at a few stars Liverpool could sign as replacements for Jones.
Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
Alex Scott of Bournemouth
Alex Scott starred for Bournemouth last season(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool has been linked with a move for Alex Scott in the past, and a switch for the midfielder could be on the cards again if the Reds need to improve the central ranks.
The 22-year-old could reunite with Andoni Iraola in the process, who he featured under for 89 games with six goals and five assists to his name.
Over the past year in particular, Scott has shown he can do everything the manager needs both in and out of possession, and with a contract that is starting to dwindle, there is an opportunity for Liverpool to strike.
It would be a deal that could still come at a large expense, but one that could take the Reds to the next level now there is a gap in the midfield.
“I think not just today, it has been, I think, the last two or three months especially, playing really well,” Iraola said back in February about the midfielder at Bournemouth.
“He's adding also some arrivals [in the box]. Today he got a couple of very good shots from the edge, and it's good he adds this kind of things because we know he can be good in the middle.
“He's confident in those positions. He had good carries. One when he goes inside the box almost, and I hope he continues at that level.”
That level certainly continued towards the end of the season, and there is a chance for him to do so again under Iraola at Liverpool.
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.(Image: Mikolaj Barbanell/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Liverpool has needed a genuine deep-lying midfielder for a while, and a move for Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace could help fix that requirement.
The England international is a comfortable ball-progresser in midfield, always looking forward with every pass, a trait that the Reds could do with when playing with intensity and verticality.
Wharton wouldn't come cheap either, likely around $116M (£85m), but at just 22 years old, there would be some longevity in his signing, and a star for many years to come.
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
Tyler Adams of Bournemouth after his sides 1-0 win during the Premier League match between Fulham and Bournemouth at Craven Cottage
Tyler Adams of Bournemouth after his sides 1-0 win during the Premier League match between Fulham and Bournemouth at Craven Cottage(Image: Getty)
Looking at the cheaper end of the scale, someone like Tyler Adams could provide a more direct replacement for Jones in the type of role that he plays.
The USMNT international has largely played in midfield through his career, but there is some experience in playing at right-back, centre-back, or even left-back if required.
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Adams offers quality with his reading of play off-the-ball, while he can hold his own with the ball, all of which was shown during his time with Bournemouth.
While it wouldn't be a move that would be as long-term or star-studded as the others, he could fit in well with the current team dynamics without costing a fortune in the market.