Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this summer, according to Midlands-based journalist Trent Hutson

The lowdown: Liverpool prodigy

A product of the thriving youth system at Anfield, the youngster captained the club at numerous age groups whilst making his way through the ranks on Merseyside.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Toxteth native was fast-tracked to the first team and capped off a Merseyside derby debut to remember with a majestic strike in January 2020 whilst on a rapidly upwards trajectory, amassing 41 goals in 80 outings for the young Reds at under-18 and under-23 level.

After 73 appearances for the first-team under Jurgen Klopp, a move away could now be the next step in the 21-year-old's development...

The latest: Forest keen on Jones

Taking to Twitter, Hutson has claimed that Forest are looking to land the England under-21 starlet on loan this summer.

The reporter stated: “I’m told #NFFC will explore the possibility of bringing Curtis Jones to the club this summer. Caution to be taken given the MAX TWO loan rule in the Premier League. Strong relationship & trust between Steve Cooper and #LFC. Cooper previously worked with Jones at England and #LFC”

The verdict: On one condition

Spending time out on loan and obtaining regular Premier League action would undoubtedly be a huge positive for Jones' development. However, Liverpool - and Klopp in particular - must ensure that the squad allows for such a departure to take place without having an adverse impact on the playing ranks at the AXA Training Centre.

Last season, the flamboyant ace scored once and provided four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, starting 11 top-flight matches in the process. Those levels of involvement are unlikely to be found from other midfielders within the current squad, as Thiago, James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson are already stretched to their very limits of exertion.

Far from an affront to the prospects of the youngster, who is valued at £25.2m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the Scouser should remain an integral part of the future on the red half of Merseyside; and any loan move which may manifest itself this summer would very much be viewed as a short-term way of progressing a supremely talented individual.

Held in high regard by Steven Gerrard himself after the Anfield icon hailed Jones as a 'top player' during his time in charge of the under-18s, Liverpool should be reticent to sanction any exit for the talented youngster until another genuine first-team midfield option is through the door.

In other news: Liverpool now considering big-money move for 'world class' powerhouse, read more here