Journalist: £40m-rated Liverpool star could stay despite Premier League interest | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Curtis Jones Decision as Nottingham Forest Interest Grows

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is gathering pace, but one of the most intriguing conversations surrounds a player who has been part of the club for years. On the latest edition of Anfield Index’s Media Matters, Dave Davis was joined by David Lynch to discuss the growing interest in Curtis Jones from Nottingham Forest and what it could mean for Liverpool’s transfer plans.

The discussion highlighted that Liverpool’s approach is far more measured than recent speculation might suggest. While Nottingham Forest are interested, there is little indication that Liverpool are preparing to accept anything below their valuation.

Dave Davis referenced reports that “Curtis Jones is a target for Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are aware of their interest,” before adding that Liverpool value the midfielder “in the region of £40 million” and “are content to keep him if their asking price isn’t met.”

That immediately framed the debate around leverage rather than urgency.

David Lynch explains Liverpool’s valuation

David Lynch believes Liverpool would actually prefer a domestic sale if Jones were to leave.

“Liverpool would prefer if they had to sell him to sell him within the Premier League because the money is much greater and they can demand a lot more for him.”

That financial reality is important, particularly as Liverpool continue to reshape several areas of the squad under Andoni Iraola.

However, Lynch also questioned whether Nottingham Forest would appeal to Jones himself.

“The only question mark I have over this is how interested is Curtis Jones in staying in the Premier League?”

He continued by explaining why Inter Milan had previously looked attractive.

“I think Inter was particularly attractive because he’d seen how kind of Scott McTominay had gotten over there. The fact you’re playing a different league, living in Milan and having that experience.”

For Lynch, that leaves uncertainty over whether Nottingham Forest can convince the Liverpool midfielder that it represents the right next step.

“So, is he that desperate to leave that he wants to go to Nottingham Forest? I’m not entirely sure about that in this moment.”

Contract stance gives Liverpool control

Perhaps the strongest insight from the podcast centred on Liverpool’s willingness to keep Jones if suitable offers fail to materialise.

Dave Davis suggested Liverpool could simply keep the midfielder for another season, even if that ultimately risks losing him for nothing.

David Lynch’s response left little room for doubt.

“Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. So, it’s very much my understanding that that’s the case.”

Photo: IMAGO

He expanded on Liverpool’s position.

“They’re not going to kick him out the door for absolutely peanuts, which is why they were so offended by what Inter were offering.”

Lynch also explained why Liverpool see retaining Jones as a perfectly workable outcome.

“There’s a willingness absolutely to allow him to just see out that last year of contract if they don’t get a sum of money that makes the sums worthwhile for them.”

That calculation is driven by more than finances.

“They would have to sign a replacement. So, you need something to contribute towards that.”

With Liverpool expected to strengthen multiple positions this summer, avoiding an unnecessary midfield signing carries genuine value.

Nottingham Forest interest adds another twist

Forest’s interest certainly creates another option, particularly if they are prepared to meet Liverpool’s valuation.

Lynch believes Jones “would be a good signing for Forest” and added, “I think it would work well.”

Even so, Liverpool are showing no signs of lowering their demands.

As Lynch concluded, “They are willing to kind of play that game with Curtis Jones… but they’re not going to give him away.”

That measured stance may ultimately define this transfer saga. Nottingham Forest have emerged as genuine contenders, but Liverpool remain firmly in control of the process. Unless a club matches their valuation, Curtis Jones could still begin the new season wearing red.