Liverpool may have been presented with a surprise opening in the transfer market \u2014 one that could allow Arne Slot to tackle a major issue threatening the club\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n
After Fabrizio Romano reported that Inter Milan are in direct negotiations to sign Curtis Jones, a potential pathway has emerged for the Reds to address their escalating defensive problems in dramatic fashion.<\/p>\n
Jones link could unlock Dumfries move<\/p>\n
Romano claims Inter have earmarked Jones as their top option to replace Davide Frattesi, who is edging closer to a switch to Nottingham Forest. Talks are said to be centred on a loan deal with an option to buy, but the situation may offer Liverpool additional leverage.<\/p>\n
Reports from Italy, later relayed by The Mirror, suggest the Reds have made enquiries about Inter wing-back Denzel Dumfries. With Inter in the market for a technically gifted midfielder and Liverpool urgently seeking a right-back, the conditions are in place for a possible swap-style arrangement to be explored before Monday\u2019s deadline.<\/p>\n
Defensive crisis forces Liverpool\u2019s hand<\/p>\n
Slot confirmed on Friday that Jeremie Frimpong will be sidelined for several weeks with a muscle injury, adding to the long-term absence of Conor Bradley, who is expected to miss the rest of the season.<\/p>\n
With no senior right-back currently available, a move for Dumfries appears logical. The Dutch international would arrive with Champions League pedigree, positional flexibility and the physical attributes well suited to the Premier League.<\/p>\n
A short-term loan could prove an ideal stopgap as Liverpool look to protect their top-four ambitions.<\/p>\n
Jones exit could be the price to pay<\/p>\n
Parting ways with a homegrown player like Jones midway through the season would not be an easy decision, but it may become a necessary compromise.<\/p>\n
The midfielder has found minutes hard to come by under Slot, sitting behind the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in the pecking order.<\/p>\n
With midfield numbers relatively healthy and defensive resources stretched to breaking point, Liverpool may feel compelled to prioritise fixing the backline over maintaining depth in the middle of the park.<\/p>\n
There is, however, a potential snag \u2014 Dumfries is currently dealing with a minor injury and is not expected to return until late February.<\/p>\n
Even so, with Champions League qualification on the line, Liverpool may view this as an opportunity too significant to pass up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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