Liverpool transfer news: Newly-promoted Coventry eye double Liverpool raid

Among the nine players Liverpool are set to part with this summer are two midfielders who are not only squad members but lifelong supporters of the club, and firm favourites on the Kop. Is the club making a mistake in letting them go?

Two Anfield favourites heading for the exit

Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are both expected to leave Liverpool this summer. Jones enjoyed a strong spell earlier this season, and Liverpool turned down a January approach from Inter Milan. Elliott, meanwhile, was supposed to have a breakthrough season following a golden Euro U21 campaign, but a contractual clause in Liverpool's loan agreement with Aston Villa has severely restricted his playing time at the Midlands club.

Liverpool supporters will not welcome the news of this popular duo's departure. Elliott in particular will be a source of regret, even last season's title-winning campaign gave him limited opportunities, despite his enormous potential. The club, however, should have no shortage of suitors for either player.

Chelsea and Newcastle lead the chase for Jones

Chelsea are known to be in the market for a new central midfielder this summer, while Newcastle would regard a player of Jones's technical quality as a clear upgrade on what they currently have in similar positions. For the Magpies in particular, signing a player of his calibre would represent a significant step forward.

As for Elliott, despite his difficult spell in Birmingham, the expectation is that the majority of Premier League clubs — as well as top clubs from other major European leagues — will show interest once he becomes available.

Shocking Coventry swoop?

There is, however, one highly surprising name in the mix. Coventry, managed by Frank Lampard, have already secured promotion to the Premier League and will need to strengthen significantly to be competitive in the top flight. Reports suggest they see Jones and Elliott as potential faces of their ambitious project.

English pundits are largely sceptical. Whether Coventry could afford players of this calibre is one question — whether they would be sufficiently attractive is another. Even if the interest is genuine, it would represent a considerable step backwards in career terms for both players. Other clubs are almost certain to offer more, making a move to the Sky Blues a very unlikely outcome.