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Inter Milan are pressing ahead with Curtis Jones and the Liverpool midfielder remains one of their top midfield targets this summer.
The Nerazzurri have already made contact, Jones is reportedly open to the move, and the situation has been discussed during Richard Hughes’ recent meeting in Monte Carlo with Inter representatives.
For weeks, the picture around Inter’s midfield plans has pointed in Jones’ direction. Inter boss Cristian Chivu is said to like the England international’s profile, and they even explored a deal in January although Liverpool were not open to a departure mid-season.
While Roma’s Manu Kone has also been on the radar, reports in Italy have suggested Jones has increasingly emerged as the preferred option, not least because of his quality, his age profile, and the fact that the Liverpool route is already open.
Now new reports from Italy have provided an update on Inter’s likely next bid, with the Anfield club having reportedly already rejected a €20m opening offer last month.
Tuttosport have reported that the Serie A champions could return for an improved bid of €25m, with an added percentage resale clause that Liverpool are said to “care very much about”:
“Cristian Chivu yesterday went to the Nerazzurri headquarters in Viale della Liberazione to define the final details of his contract renewal, where he reiterated again how for him the priority in midfield between Manu Koné and Curtis Jones, remains the latter, considering the return of Stankovic.”
“Jones, as is known, had already been identified as a reinforcement in January and would have arrived in Milan if Fratattesi had been sold in that market. In the end, nothing came of it, but Jones has not forgotten Inter and Inter have not forgotten him.”
“How much? Probably €25 million, although then an agreement would have to be found on the percentage of future resale, a detail that the Reds care a lot about.”
The feeling in Italy is that Inter are trying to move carefully but firmly. They want to avoid overpaying, but they also know Jones is a profile that fits what Chivu wants in midfield.
The player’s openness to leaving Anfield is another factor helping Inter keep the deal alive.