Liverpool youngster Curtis Jones will sign a professional contract with the club today (Tuesday) as he marks his 17th birthday, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The newspaper report that the goalscoring midfielder will mark the occasion by putting pen to paper on a deal that will see him stay at Anfield until 2020.
The Echo claim that Jones has previously rejected chances to join Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton, having grown up in the Liverpool city centre.
Jones was just 15 when he was invited to train with the first-team by Jurgen Klopp, and has been at the club’s Kirkby academy since the age of nine.
The 17-year-old has scored 15 goals for the club’s Under-18s this season after flourishing under Steven Gerrard, who rates the midfielder very highly.
As quoted by the Echo, Gerrard said: “This team is built around him. He’s a top talent. He’s got that quality to create something out of nothing.”
Good move for Liverpool?
Absolutely.
Curtis has been in indomitable form for their Under-18s this season, and the 17-year-old looks a real star for the future.
Jones bosses the midfield for Gerrard’s side, and his coach has been very complimentary about the young man’s progress this campaign.
Retaining the services of a player who has been at the club since the age of nine is always gratifying, and Liverpool will hope Jones can continue his development and break into the first-team very soon.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
This one is pretty much nailed-on.
Jones looks settled at his boyhood club, and Liverpool are obviously keen to keep him.
Expect an announcement later today.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10