“Move on” – Spurs were preparing a surprise swoop for a Liverpool star before their transfer plans were derailed

Tottenham Hotspur were said to have kept tabs on a Liverpool first-team regular before ultimately redirecting their attention to an alternative midfield target.

While Liverpool have yet to make a move in the January transfer window, Spurs appear close to completing their first signing of 2026 after agreeing a £34m deal for Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to Sky Sports. Aston Villa had been in advanced talks to sign the England international, but the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace player now looks set for a return to London after Thomas Frank’s side moved decisively to secure the transfer, as reported by Ben Jacobs.

Spurs’ interest in Curtis Jones

Prior to focusing on Gallagher, Tottenham were also linked with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. Spurs insider Paul O’Keefe sparked the discussion after responding to a fan on X who asked whether the club were targeting another progressive midfielder in January, with Jones’ name emerging as a possible option.

It’s understandable why Tottenham would admire the 24-year-old, but even if interest had developed into something more concrete, luring him away from Anfield would have been extremely difficult. Labelled “fantastic” by Phil Thompson, Jones has become an important figure under Arne Slot. Before last week’s draw with Arsenal, he had started six straight Premier League matches and was named in the starting XI in four of Liverpool’s six Champions League games this season, according to Transfermarkt.

Jones’ versatility only strengthens his importance to Liverpool, as he can operate in multiple midfield roles and has even filled in at right-back when needed. O’Keefe later admitted he was mistaken to suggest Jones is not a progressive player, a view clearly challenged by the statistics.

Data from FBref shows Jones ranks 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 match (2.52), and the top 18% for successful take-ons, averaging 0.94 per game.

One point of discussion is his contract situation. With 18 months remaining on his current deal and the midfielder approaching his prime, Liverpool are expected to begin negotiations over a new contract soon.

Jones is not a player Liverpool can afford to lose, and any club looking to turn tentative interest into a formal bid would almost certainly be met with a firm rejection from Anfield.