Crystal Palace have stepped up their search for midfield reinforcements by making an enquiry for a highly rated player who has enjoyed plenty of success at Selhurst Park.
Midfield planning underway at Selhurst Park
With the summer window approaching, Palace are already preparing for the possibility of losing Adam Wharton. Speaking at the end of the winter market, journalist Pete O’Rourke warned the club to expect serious interest in the 21-year-old, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all believed to be monitoring his situation closely.
Any move for Wharton would not come cheap. Chairman Steve Parish is understood to have placed an £82 million valuation on the England international, a figure that would hand the Eagles significant spending power should he depart.
That financial safety net has Palace casting a wide net. Earlier reports revealed Oliver Glasner’s side had opened talks regarding FC Nordsjaelland midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi after a string of eye-catching displays in Denmark.
Now, according to TEAMtalk, Palace have also made contact about a move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, who is viewed internally as a possible replacement for Wharton.
Competition expected for Curtis Jones
The enquiry is unlikely to go uncontested. Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are all credited with interest, while Inter Milan, Atalanta, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are among the European clubs keeping tabs on the situation.
Jones has just over a year remaining on his Liverpool deal, and with negotiations over a new contract stalling, uncertainty surrounds his long-term future at Anfield.
Why Jones appeals to Palace
Jones is no stranger to Selhurst Park. He has played there five times for Liverpool and emerged on the winning side on four occasions. This season, he has been a regular presence in the Premier League, missing only three matches.
Reports suggest Liverpool were open to the idea of a sale during the last window, opening the door to a potential move south. Palace believe the 25-year-old could thrive with a more central role.
His Champions League performances earlier in the campaign drew high praise, with Phil Thompson describing him as “fantastic” after one standout display, highlighting his work rate, awareness and quality in tight areas.
With 141 Premier League appearances already under his belt and plenty of years ahead of him, Jones represents both experience and room for further growth, making him an attractive option as Palace plan for the future.