Report: Liverpool midfielder edges closer to summer exit amid interest from European giants
Report: Liverpool midfielder edges closer to summer exit amid interest from European giants Curtis Jones transfer latest as Inter Milan line up fresh Liverpool bid Inter Milan are preparing a second move for Curtis Jones after Liverpool rejected an opening offer worth £21.6million, according to talkSPORT . The Serie A club remain keen on the Liverpool midfielder, with the Merseyside club holding firm on a £30million valuation as the summer window develops. There is a clear sense that this is a situation still very much alive, even if no fresh negotiations have yet taken place between the clubs. Liverpool had initially concluded that a deal would not be possible after Inter’s first approach fell short, yet the Italian side are now working on a revised proposal in an attempt to revive talks. Photo: IMAGO Inter Milan bid tests Liverpool resolve Liverpool’s stance appears straightforward. The club are prepared to keep Jones if their valuation is not met, and the report indicates that position has only strengthened amid renewed interest. Inter are going to need to make a substantial jump from their first offer if they want meaningful engagement. The 25-year-old is said to be looking to leave Anfield this summer, while Inter’s admiration is longstanding after another attempt to sign him was rebuffed in January. Even so, Liverpool are not under pressure to sell. Jones has one year remaining on his contract, and the club are understood to be relaxed about the prospect of retaining him through the season if no acceptable offer arrives. That detail is particularly striking. Liverpool “would be okay allowing him to leave on a free once his deal runs out if they do not accept an offer this summer.” In a market where clubs often move quickly to avoid that outcome, it underlines how strongly they value the player on their own terms. Curtis Jones future remains finely poised Jones’ position has become one of the more intriguing subplots of Liverpool’s summer. With Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai largely established in midfield, his opportunities narrowed last season. He made 16 substitute appearances and returned one goal and two assists in 34 Premier League games, while also starting only four Champions League matches. That reduced role fed the wider sense that a transfer was becoming increasingly likely. Yet there remains a route back. If Jones stays and impresses Andoni Iraola, there is still every chance the conversation changes, particularly as Liverpool “have not had any concerns about their academy product’s attitude or professionalism.” The report also makes clear that “there remains potential for his lifelong Liverpool career to continue.” That may depend on whether Inter reach the £30million mark, because if that offer lands, the expectation is that his departure would gather real momentum. Liverpool midfield depth shapes transfer call There are differing views around Jones’ place in the squad. Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant recently told talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool: “I just think sometimes you just need continuity to get into a regular rhythm to get your confidence up.” He added, “Sometimes, chopping and changing positions and coming in and out of the team is hard, and he gets judged week in, week out.” Pennant also argued, “For some reason, he doesn’t get the same chances that the others get. Mac Allister has been way off it, but Slot is still playing him ahead of Jones.” His conclusion was simple: “I would like to see him there next season because he can do a job all over the pitch.” For now, Liverpool are standing firm, Inter Milan are expected back, and Curtis Jones remains caught between opportunity, valuation and timing. Our View From a disappointed Liverpool supporter perspective, this report is frustrating on several levels. Curtis Jones is one of our own, a player who understands the club, the city and what it means to wear the shirt. Seeing him pushed towards the exit for around £30million feels underwhelming, especially in a market where proven squad depth carries major value. What makes it harder to accept is that this does not read like a player who has caused problems. We are told Liverpool “have not had any concerns about their academy product’s attitude or professionalism”, which should matter. If the issue is simply minutes and role, then that feels like something a new head coach should be trying to solve rather than cashing in on. There is also a wider concern about squad identity. Liverpool have already changed a lot in recent seasons, and letting another local player drift away weakens that connection supporters still care deeply about. Jones may not be a guaranteed starter, but every successful squad needs trusted options who can cover multiple roles and handle pressure. If Inter really want him, they should pay properly. If they do not, Liverpool should keep him, back him and see whether Iraola can unlock more. Selling too cheaply would feel like a mistake, and allowing the situation to run down without a clear plan would be even worse. Supporters will hope this ends with conviction from the club, whichever path they choose. Source: talkSPORT
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