Forest’s chase for Jones could reshape both clubs’ futures

Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Liverpool to sign 25‑year‑old midfielder Curtis Jones, with the English club reportedly willing to meet Liverpool’s £35‑40 million valuation and offering the player a contract running to 2031.

Liverpool have rejected two offers from Inter Milan and are firm on a £40 million price tag. The club would sanction an exit if the asking price is met, but they are also prepared to retain Jones for the final year of his deal.

Transfer journalist Nicolo Schira said on X that “Nottingham Forest are interested in Curtis Jones. Opened talks with Liverpool to try and sign him for 35‑40M.” He added that the Forest side is “ready for the midfielder a contract until 2031.”

Following the £116 million departure of Elliot Anderson to Manchester City, Nottingham Forest have the resources to meet Liverpool’s asking price. The club, which finished 16th after a turbulent season with four different managers, are looking to strengthen a midfield that struggled last campaign.

Jones’s season under manager Arne Slot was frustrating, with limited starts and a late‑season deployment as a right‑back. The midfield’s difficulties were highlighted by the under‑performance of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Earlier links included a possible move to Serie A champions Inter Milan and interest from Tottenham Hotspur, though the latter appear focused on Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

While Forest target Jones, other names circulating for Liverpool’s midfield include Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott. Their presence underscores the Reds’ intent to overhaul a sector that was a major weakness in their disastrous title defence.

If Forest secure Jones, they would add a versatile Premier League talent to aid a squad seeking stability after a relegation battle. For Liverpool, a sale at the requested price would provide a substantial fee and free up wages, while retaining him would preserve depth heading into the next season.