Forest's midfield gap forces costly chase for Curtis Jones

Nottingham Forest are hunting a replacement for Elliot Anderson, whose £116 million move to Manchester City left a void in the club’s central midfield, prompting the Forest hierarchy to set their sights on 25‑year‑old Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, valued at roughly £40 million by the Reds.

Liverpool have made clear they are in no hurry to part with the academy graduate, insisting any offer must meet their £40 million valuation. Jones is entering the final year of his current Liverpool contract this season, giving the Reds leverage in negotiations.

Forest’s midfield overhaul follows the staggering £116 million agreement that secured Elliot Anderson’s transfer to Manchester City. The club also monitors Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall as a potential alternative to Jones.

Last season, Jones featured in 34 Premier League matches, starting only 18 under former manager Arne Slot. He spent much of the campaign at right back, covering for injured Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.

Across all competitions, Jones has amassed 228 senior appearances for Liverpool since his debut in 2019. He has contributed 22 goals and helped the side collect eight major trophies, including two Premier League crowns and a Champions League triumph.

Outside England, Inter Milan tested Liverpool’s resolve with a bid of roughly £21.5 million, which was turned down immediately. The Italian champions had previously explored signing Jones earlier in the year without success.

Liverpool have not ruled out extending Jones’s deal if he remains at Anfield beyond the summer. Meanwhile, Forest must decide whether to meet Liverpool’s asking price before the transfer window closes, a decision that could shape their midfield for the upcoming campaign.