Aston Villa Lead Pursuit of Liverpool's Curtis Jones

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is preparing to depart Anfield this summer amid stalled contract negotiations and limited playing time under manager Arne Slot, with Aston Villa emerging as the frontrunner to secure his signature.

The 25-year-old England international, a product of Liverpool's academy, has made over 220 appearances for the club since breaking into the first team, contributing 21 goals across all competitions. However, this season has seen him start just 12 Premier League matches, often sidelined by injuries and overshadowed in midfield by players like Alexis Mac Allister. Jones's current contract runs until 2027, but talks over an extension have reached an impasse, prompting him to seek regular minutes elsewhere before entering the final year of his deal.

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, view Jones as a key addition to bolster their midfield options, particularly as they navigate financial constraints under Premier League profitability rules. The clubs have conducted business recently, including a loan deal last summer for Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, though that arrangement has not yielded significant playing time for the young winger. Sources indicate Villa are...