Curtis Jones came on for the final 10 minutes of Liverpool’s win over Newcastle on Saturday as questions continue to surround his future at the club.
The midfielder was surprisingly linked with a move to Inter Milan on Friday night, with supporters shocked at the possibility of another academy graduate leaving.
The rumours have since been played down a little, but there is no question that Jones is facing uncertainty over his Liverpool career.
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The fact that Arne Slot waited so long to bring the 25-year-old on during the win over Newcastle may lead to renewed speculation of a rift between the pair.
And with supporters waiting for the matter to be cleared, Slot was asked directly to respond to rumours that Jones could leave before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Liverpool trying to strengthen, not weaken
There was a real sense of bemusement amongst supporters when news broke of negotiations between Liverpool and Inter for Jones.
The Reds have a stretched squad at the moment, and the idea of losing a player who has been among the better performers this season filled many with worry.
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Thankfully, Slot’s comments in his post-Newcastle press conference should alleviate fears that Jones is about to leave.
“We are trying to strengthen the squad, not trying to weaken it,” said the Liverpool head coach. “There is, I think, 48 hours left, so let’s see where the window ends up.
Although Slot did not emphatically rule out a move for Jones, reading between the lines his message is clear: Liverpool will not sell any first-team players.
How would you react if Curtis Jones leaves for Inter Milan?
And how much is he really worth?
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Could Liverpool strengthen before Monday?
Slot’s answer works on two levels here: on the one hand, it suggests Jones – or Andy Robertson for that matter – will not be leaving the club this winter.
On the other, it also indicates that Liverpool are indeed trying to strengthen and perhaps make a new signing.
There have been strong rumours that the Reds are in talks to sign Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, although his arrival would be for next summer, not immediately.
Other links to centre-backs have gone quiet and it seems unlikely that will change before Monday’s 7pm deadline.
Instead, if Liverpool do anything at all, then it will be to sign a new right-back. Options are seemingly being explored, but the Reds are leaving it late.
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