Jones Exit Looms as Liverpool Eye Palace Star Wharton for £70m Overhaul

The writing appears to be on the wall for Curtis Jones at Anfield. The Liverpool midfielder, who has spent his entire career at the club and accumulated 222 appearances in a red shirt, is preparing for a move away this summer as contract negotiations have stalled.

Jones' situation has been simmering since January, when both Inter Milan and Tottenham registered their interest during the winter window. Liverpool held firm then, but with his deal expiring in summer 2027 and fresh talks proving unfruitful, the 25-year-old's Anfield dream is effectively over.

Aston Villa are now preparing a concrete approach for the England international, signalling the end of Jones' association with his boyhood club. It represents a significant chapter closing for the homegrown talent who has been a fixture in the Reds' midfield.

But Fenway Sports Group aren't waiting around. The Liverpool hierarchy have already zeroed in on a replacement: Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.

The 22-year-old midfielder has caught their eye following extensive background work, and the omens are encouraging. Wharton is reportedly open to a summer departure from Selhurst Park, and crucially, Palace are willing to let him go—for £70 million.

The Palace youngster represents an upgrade in terms of age and potential, though securing him will require a significant outlay as the Eagles seek to bolster their finances following an impressive Conference League semi-final run.

Liverpool's midfield could face further upheaval too, with Alexis Mac Allister also potentially heading for the exit this summer. These dual departures would necessitate the Wharton acquisition and possibly additional recruitment.

Manager Arne Slot faces an intriguing backdrop ahead of Sunday's Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium—a fixture that carries extra poignancy as it represents both the final and inaugural derby played at Goodison Park's replacement venue. The gaffer acknowledged the unique circumstances: "It's always a very special game. If it is the last one being played at the stadium and the first one that always makes it probably even more special if that's even possible. Of course, they are in a very good place at the moment."

With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Liverpool cannot afford distractions. Victory is essential if they're to maintain their top-five hopes and secure continental football next season.