Liverpool youngster says he ‘doesn’t care’ about new signings and is ‘ready to play’

Curtis Jones has claimed he isn’t fazed by Liverpool potentially signing new midfield stars and is willing to stay and fight for his place.

The Reds midfield has been much criticised this term, with the team frequently being overrun in the centre of the park.

A number of new signings have been linked with Anfield as the club try to bolster that area of the pitch, but Jones insisted he wasn’t worried about the fight for first team spots.

Speaking to The Athletic, Jones said: “I don’t care [about new signings]. I’m a confident lad and I have the backing of the staff. If they turn around and say they think I need to leave or go out on loan then there are options there that I already know of.”

“But it’s not something that we’ve spoken about at the club and it’s not like they have said: ‘Look, we’re going to buy him, you might have to leave, you might have to do this or do that’. I’ve not heard anything, so I am here to play.”

Liverpool have long standing interest in Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, as well as Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Wolves’ Matheus Nunes.

Jones returned from injury for his side’s on Tuesday, managing 79 minutes before being substituted.

“Did I give the manager something to think about? Yes, of course. I wouldn’t really say it was a game where I was able to get on the ball and dribble and shoot really.” Jones added.

“It was a game that was more about gaining the manager’s trust again.”

Injury problems have restricted the 22-year-old to only eight Premier League appearances this season, only two of which were starts.

The England Under-21 international has been dealing with a stress problem in the tibia of his right leg, first noticed during Liverpool’s Community Shield victory in July.

Jones said: “At the start of the season I came back fit and I was up for it, thinking I am coming here and I’d set a goal for a certain amount of goals and assists but as time went on that changed.

“Now I’m at the point of keeping myself fit and I just want to play the game again, so that’s what I am doing now.

“It’s been an up and down time but I’m back and I’m excited. The enjoyment is back, so I’m happy.”

Liverpool will need Jones back in form if they are to qualify for the Champions League, the team are currently ten points of fourth spot, and haven’t won in three games.