Neco Williams playing 'key role' in Curtis Jones joining Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have identified Liverpool star Curtis Jones as a leading target in their efforts to replace Elliot Anderson.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool throughout the summer window so far, and Forest are the latest club to join the race for his signature.

However, there are doubts about whether the England international would be open to a move to the City Ground given their lack of European football next season.

As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest are keen to convince Jones of the move, and Neco Williams could play a big role.

The full-back played alongide Jones as they came through Liverpool's academy ranks, and could now help to convince him of a move to Nottingham Forest.

This comes as Anderson's £116million move to Man City has provided the club with the funds to spend big this summer, and the addition of a new midfielder is their top priority.

Could Nottingham Forest make a move for Curtis Jones?

Football Insider shared reports of Nottingham Forest's interest in Jones last month, as he outranks Anderson in a number of key data metrics, making him a leading target.

His experience in the Premier League and potential availability if Liverpool decide to let him go have placed Forest on alert, but they must now convince him of the move.

Nottingham Forest are looking to put ambitious plans in place after the appointment of Oliver Glasner, and Williams could play a role in helping them achieve those goals.

"Curtis Jones would be an excellent signing for Nottingham Forest if they could get it done," Brown told Football Insider.

"They need to bring in a replacement for Elliot Anderson, and he's somebody who would tick a lot of boxes for them, he's a very similar type of player.

"The only issue, from what I'm told, is about whether they could convince him to leave Liverpool for Forest after they spent a year battling against relegation.

"But if he's going to be available, they will want to make every effort to convince him of the move, whatever that may take.

"Neco Williams came through the ranks with Jones at Liverpool, and he will play a role in convincing him to move to Forest, where he has been a key player for a while.

"There are lots of things Forest can do to try and get that deal over the line, it's just about whether or not Jones can be convinced."

How do Liverpool feel about selling Curtis Jones?

With Nottingham Forest preparing to step up their interest in Jones, a lot will depend on how he feels about the move, and whether Liverpool are prepared to let him go.

Forest are not the only club to have shown an interest this summer, with Inter Milan also making a move, but the Italian outfit are unlikely to match his asking price.

However, Football Insider revealed in April that Jones is not happy at Liverpool and could push for a move away, with the club unlikely to stand in his way.

Having been frequently played outside of his natural position under Arne Slot, the midfielder has been keen to explore his options to play a greater role away from Anfield.

Liverpool are believed to be open to his departure, and while they are not pushing him out of the door, they are ready to listen to offer should they arrive.