Kevin Campbell backed Aston Villa to make a ‘smart’ move for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the January window.
Aston Villa covered the loss of Jack Grealish with some smart signings during the summer window. Emiliano Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey were all signed in attacking positions, as Dean Smith targets better things this season. The Midlands club wanted to invest further in attacking midfield, making at least two bids for Arsenal youngster Emile Smith Rowe, only for the 20-year-old to sign a new deal at the Emirates.
They might still look to add a player of a similar profile in the January window, and Curtis Jones could be that player. Aston Villa made a late enquiry for Jones, with Liverpool showing no interest in letting the 20-year-old leave Anfield, especially so late in the window.
Jones has risen under Jurgen Klopp in recent seasons. He made 34 appearances in all competitions in the last term, including 24 in the Premier League, as he eased pressure on the club with many injuries to key midfielders. However, this season Jones is yet to play a single minute of football and failed to make the bench against Chelsea.
18-year-old Harvey Elliot seems to have climbed above him in the pecking order and received praise for his performances so far, especially against Chelsea. If Klopp keeps picking Elliot in his teams, it could impact Jones’ development, while the other senior pros would also block his path into the side.
While a move in January could be a possibility, former Arsenal star Kevin Campbell has urged Aston Villa to sign the youngster in the winter window. Speaking to Football Insider, the former striker suggested Jones would be a ‘smart’ buy for Villa, one who could further improve their options.
Campbell said, “It’s going to be an interesting few months, January especially. It depends how Villa do; if they do ok, they might wait until the end of the season. If they aren’t doing as well as they want to, they will have to really push for Curtis Jones.
“Villa like young players, and Jones is exactly that; he’s got real quality. Villa are looking to buy smart, buy young and look to buy players with something to prove which is smart.”
Jones would be a serious option for Villa. If they are making a move, the midfielder could prove an expensive acquisition. He still has a long term deal with Liverpool, and recent windows have suggested that the Merseysiders hardly let go of their talents on the cheap.