Nottingham Forest target Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones to replace Elliot Anderson | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have identified Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as one of their primary targets to replace Elliot Anderson, talkSPORT reports.

However, Liverpool are in no rush to sell the academy graduate and will only consider offers that match their valuation.

Forest are looking to strengthen in central midfield after agreeing a staggering £116 million deal for Elliot Anderson to join Manchester City.

Jones is one of several options on their shortlist but striking a deal with Liverpool could be tricky.

The Reds reportedly value the 25-year-old at around £40m. While Forest admire the midfielder, they seem reluctant to meet Liverpool’s asking price.

That works for Liverpool, who are happy to keep Jones if they don’t receive a suitable offer before the transfer window closes.

Jones is also drawing interest from clubs outside England. Inter Milan recently tested Liverpool’s resolve with a bid worth around £21.5m, but the proposal was rejected immediately. 

The Italian champions had also explored the possibility of signing him earlier in the year without success.

Jones will enter the final year of his current Liverpool contract this season. 

While speculation surrounding his future continues to grow, Liverpool have not ruled out offering him a new deal if he remains at Anfield beyond the summer.

Despite spending 16 years with his boyhood club after joining Liverpool’s academy in 2010, Jones is now at a crossroads as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

Last season, he featured in 34 Premier League matches but started only 18 under ex-manager Arne Slot.

He spent most of the campaign playing out of position, usually covering for injured duo Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley at right back.

Across all competitions, Jones has made 228 senior appearances for Liverpool since making his first-team debut in 2019. 

During that time, he has scored 22 goals and collected an impressive eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League.

Forest are also keeping a close eye on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who is believed to be looking for a fresh challenge.