Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly monitoring a potential move for a Liverpool regular before switching their focus to a different midfield option.
Although Liverpool are yet to make any moves in the January window, Spurs look set to finalise their first signing of 2026 after reaching an agreement worth £34m for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to Sky Sports.
Aston Villa had been locked in formal discussions to land the England international, but the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace man now appears destined for a return to the capital after Thomas Frank’s side stepped in to seize the deal, as reported by Ben Jacobs.
Spurs interest in Curtis Jones
Before turning their attention to Gallagher, Spurs were also credited with interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. Well-known Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe was asked by a supporter on X whether the club were looking to add another progressive midfielder in January alongside Gallagher, prompting discussion around Jones as a possible target.
It’s easy to understand why Tottenham might admire the 24-year-old, but even if they had pushed ahead with a move, the chances of prising him away from Anfield would have been slim.
Described as “fantastic” by Phil Thompson, Jones has established himself as a key figure under Arne Slot. Prior to last week’s draw with Arsenal, he had started six consecutive Premier League matches and featured from the outset in four of Liverpool’s six Champions League games this season, per Transfermarkt.
His adaptability further boosts his value to the Reds, with Jones capable of operating across midfield and even filling in at right-back when required. O’Keefe later conceded he was wrong to suggest Jones isn’t a progressive player, a claim clearly contradicted by the data.
FBref statistics place Jones in the top 6% of European midfielders over the past year for progressive passes per 90 minutes (8.27), the top 11% for progressive carries per game (2.52), and the top 18% for successful take-ons, averaging 0.94 per match.
One valid concern raised was Jones’ contract situation. With just 18 months left on his current deal and the midfielder entering his peak years, Liverpool are expected to open talks over a new contract in the near future.
Jones is a player the Reds simply cannot afford to lose, and if any club were to go beyond tentative interest and submit a formal approach, the response from Anfield should be an unequivocal rejection.
