Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is unlikely to leave Anfield before the transfer window slams shut on Monday night, according to GIVEMESPORT Senior Reporter Fabrizio Romano.
Jones had been tipped for a late switch to Inter Milan, but any deal now appears unlikely - partly due to the England international's unresolved contract situation with Liverpool.
Jones Linked with San Siro Switch
Curtis Jones vs Inter
On Friday, Romano reported that Inter and Liverpool were holding direct discussions about a loan deal for Jones which included an option to buy, describing negotiations as 'ongoing'.
"Inter are in direct club to club talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones on loan deal with buy option clause. Negotiations ongoing but linked to Davide Frattesi exit with #NFFC waiting for an answer. Inter and Liverpool, discussing today."
However, it now seems any deal is unlikely to happen with Romano now claiming on his Youtube channel that the prospect of a move is being 'completely blocked' by the Merseyside club. He cites Jones' contract situation, with his current terms due to expire at the end of next season, as a key reason.
"Important to say for Curtis Jones, Liverpool are not giving the green light to Inter. So at the moment the deal remains completely blocked, also because of the renewal, because Liverpool are not going to let Curtis Jones leave on loan with buy option with only one year left on his contract.
"At the moment there is no agreement to extend his contract, so let's see what's going to happen and if they can agree on a new deal or not. But everything's blocked for Curtis Jones."
Sensible Business - But Jones' Future Looks Uncertain
Curtis Jones
Liverpool are wise not to do business when Jones' contract is due to enter its final twelve months this summer. Any fee for a buy option would have to be based on that, meaning Liverpool would most likely have to settle for a price lower than the midfielder's actual market value.
The other danger is that Jones returns after six months but Inter don't execute the buy option, knowing they like the player and can sign him for nothing in a year's time. Ultimately, Liverpool have to protect their financial interests here.
But perhaps the bigger concern is what the 25-year-old's future prospects now look like at Anfield. His contract currently isn't close to being renewed and he isn't a guaranteed starter under Arne Slot, who has handed him only ten out of a possible 24 starts in the Premier League this season.
Jones is a local-born academy product but has never been a consistent starter for Liverpool, and perhaps the ambiguity over his future heading into January Deadline Day signifies the beginning of the end of his career with the Reds.