Nottingham Forest eye Curtis Jones after £116m Elliot Anderson sale

Nottingham Forest are considering a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones as Oliver Glasner begins reshaping his squad following Elliot Anderson’s record-breaking departure.

Forest have significant money to reinvest after selling Anderson to Manchester City for £116 million and are now assessing how to replace one of the most important players in their midfield.

According to reports in Italy, Jones has emerged as a target at the City Ground. The 25-year-old is also wanted by Inter Milan, but the Serie A champions have so far been unable to meet Liverpool’s valuation.

That could leave Forest with an opportunity. Inter have already made two offers, while Glasner’s side have the financial strength to enter the race at a time when Jones is reportedly considering a new challenge away from Anfield.

Replacing Anderson will be one of the biggest decisions of Forest’s summer.

The England international’s £116m move to Manchester City has provided the club with enormous spending power, but it has also removed a midfielder who was central to the team’s play.

Jones is now being considered as one possible answer.

A product of Liverpool’s academy, the midfielder brings extensive Premier League experience and can operate in several central roles. His technical ability, movement and willingness to carry possession could appeal to Glasner as he begins building a squad suited to his methods.

The situation at Liverpool may also create an opening.

Jones is entering the final year of his contract and is reportedly interested in finding a club where he can play a more prominent first-team role. Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Anfield has not removed the uncertainty around his future.

Forest can offer something different from Liverpool: the chance to become a central figure in a new project rather than continue competing for minutes in a crowded squad.

Forest are not alone in pursuing Jones.

Inter have been working on a deal for some time and have already seen two offers rejected. Their latest proposal was reportedly worth around £21m, but Liverpool are asking for between £35m and £40m.

That gap has created a deadlock.

The Italian champions do not want to pay Liverpool’s full valuation for a player with only one year remaining on his contract. Liverpool, however, believe Jones’ experience, homegrown status and current midfield market justify their demands.

The Reds are therefore showing little urgency to lower the price.

That is where Nottingham Forest could disrupt Inter’s plans. The Anderson sale means the Premier League club have far greater room to manoeuvre financially, and Jones would arrive as a direct response to a major departure rather than simply another addition to the squad.

There is no indication yet that Forest have submitted a formal offer. Inter remain further ahead in the process because they have already tested Liverpool’s position twice.

But being first to bid does not necessarily mean being closest to an agreement.

If Liverpool ultimately agree to sell, Jones could face two very different opportunities.

Inter can offer the pull of San Siro, Champions League football and a place with the Serie A champions. Forest, meanwhile, could offer a more prominent role in the league Jones already knows.

The player’s preference has not been made clear.

Liverpool’s asking price may decide which option becomes realistic first. Inter have shown they are unwilling to meet the current demand, while Forest have only recently entered the picture and are yet to reveal how highly they value the midfielder.

For Glasner, the attraction is clear enough. His first major signing would immediately help define the direction of the new Forest project and begin the difficult process of moving on from Anderson.

For Inter, Forest’s arrival is an unwelcome development. The longer they remain below Liverpool’s valuation, the greater the chance that a Premier League rival with fresh funds takes control of the race.

Nottingham Forest must decide whether to turn their interest into a concrete bid and test Liverpool’s position. Inter remain active, but their refusal to meet the current asking price has left the door open.

Jones’ contract situation could become increasingly important as the window progresses. Liverpool are holding firm for now, while Forest have the financial capacity to move quickly after Anderson’s sale. If Glasner identifies the midfielder as a priority, Inter may soon face a much harder race than they expected.

Should Nottingham Forest spend up to £40m on Curtis Jones to replace Elliot Anderson?