Aston Villa are reportedly lining up a £15m approach for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Jones enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Merseysiders last term, making 34 appearances across all competitions including 24 in the Premier League.
However, the 20-year-old has been left out of Liverpool's three outings so far this season, with Harvey Elliott being preferred by Jurgen Klopp following his return from a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.
The Reds have been linked with a number of midfielders this summer following the exit of Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer, but the Daily Mail reports that Aston Villa will look to tempt them into selling one of their current options.
Dean Smith's side are reportedly hopeful that Jones's lack of football in the opening weeks of the campaign will cause him to consider his future at Anfield, and believe that a £15m offer late in the window will test Liverpool's resolve.
Villa have already been active in this summer's market but are still looking to add more midfield creativity to their ranks following the £100m sale of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.
The transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday night, and Klopp has already suggested that Liverpool are unlikely to be busy in the market before then.
Barney Corkhill
