Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is a target for Italian giants Inter Milan this summer, the club’s sporting director Piero Ausilio has confirmed.
Jones has been strongly linked with a move away from his boyhood club ahead of next season, having struggled to be a key starter for the Reds in recent years.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided a new update on the situation, saying that a move to the Serie A champions is still very possible:
“Chiesa was asked about Curtis Jones and Inter because Inter are very interested in Curtis Jones. Inter are starting around €20m, Liverpool want more than €30m, maybe including a sell-on clause and bonuses, so there’s still a big gap between Inter and Liverpool, but the deal is on. Jones is keen on the move and Chiesa said Jones asked him how life is in Italy.”
Now, speaking to reporters on Sunday [via The Liverpool Echo, Inter sporting director Ausilio admitted that Jones is a genuine option this summer: “Curtis Jones, we are paying attention to him. We didn’t hide. We understand what the developments will be.”
Has Curtis Jones played his final game for Liverpool?
Jones didn’t seem to have a particularly strong relationship with Arne Slot – that applied to plenty of Liverpool players, in fairness – so the hope was that his sacking would result in the midfielder staying put and thriving alongside Andoni Iraola.
But it does still feel likely that the 25-year-old will head off for a new challenge this summer, wanting to test himself in a different league and enjoy life as a regular starter away from Anfield.
Jones isn’t perfect by any means and has his detractors, but the positives ultimately outweigh the negatives with him, so retaining his services would be the best outcome.
He is a homegrown talent, and they come at a premium, and he combines press-resistant quality in possession with an impressive football brain, as well as versatility.
As things stand, Jones joining Inter looks more likely than staying at Liverpool, but hopefully that changes, with Iraola persuading him to be an important part of his plans at Anfield.