Curtis Jones preference could see Pedro Chirivella miss out on Liverpool extension

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Liverpool wonderkid Curtis Jones looks set to win a permanent promotion to the first-team fold next season and in the process, he could offer an under-23 team-mate his marching orders.

Of course, that wouldn’t be intentional but Jurgen Klopp’s potential plans for Jones could scupper Pedro Chirivella’s chance of a new deal.

The player valued at £4 million is out of contract in the summer and with just 11 first-team appearances in seven years, the chances of him getting a new one look slim.

Jones’ rise to prominence this season won’t have helped his chances, with the 19-year-old looking every inch the missing link of Klopp’s midfield.

Handing Chirivella a new deal would see him join the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Fabinho as players who enjoy dictating the tempo from a deeper midfield role.

What Liverpool desperately lack is a regular goalscorer in the middle of the park and Jones could be just the man for the job.

Jones has featured as a left-winger for both the under-23s and for the first-team this season.

More often than not under Klopp at first-team level, he has been utilised more centrally. That might offer a suggestion as to where his long-term future lies.

Handing Chirivella a new deal would see Liverpool stockpile another player into an already bloated position.

Jones, although potentially viewed as a midfielder, would do a different role and could offer Klopp’s team goals.

Potential

Supporters got a glimpse of what Jones could offer from a central role in the FA Cup against Everton.

An under-strength Liverpool side beat a strong Toffees team thanks to a stunning goal from Jones.

The teenager has 19 goals in all competitions this season and in Liverpool’s stunning team he will receive plenty of scoring opportunities.

Jones could prove to be the missing piece in Klopp’s midfield but it could be at the expense of Chirivella who looks destined not to make the grade at Anfield.