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Curtis Jones has been widely linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer after being limited to a fringe role under sacked Arne Slot last season, struggling to secure a regular place in the starting XI.
The midfielder is entering the final year of his contract and has previously attracted interest from both Inter Milan and Tottenham, with a Serie A move seen as a realistic option should he choose to end his long association with the club.
Liverpool have already rejected a verbal offer of €25m (£21.7m) from Inter, with the bid falling well short of their valuation. The club are unwilling to sanction a cut-price departure.
This is not the first approach from Inter, who also explored a loan-to-buy deal in January that was turned down by Liverpool.
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has since confirmed that talks over Jones have cooled. Ausilio said: “I’ve never denied that we like Curtis Jones.
“He has the qualities that could give us something extra. But there’s a significant gap between our valuation and Liverpool’s.
“Liverpool have every right to ask for what they believe is a fair price, and we have every right to decide whether that works for us or not. As things stand, I’d say it’s very difficult.”
Curtis Jones has emerged as a target for Nottingham Forest and Arsenal as interest grows in his future away from Liverpool.
Forest are understood to be keen on strengthening their midfield following the departure of Elliot Anderson, with Jones among the players under consideration. Liverpool are aware of Forest’s interest as they weigh up their options in the transfer market.
Andoni Iraola’s side value Jones at around £40m, although it remains unclear whether Forest are willing to meet that price. Liverpool are prepared to keep the midfielder if their valuation is not satisfied.
Jones has spent 16 years at Anfield after joining the academy in 2010, but he started fewer than half of Liverpool’s Premier League matches last season, with 18 starts in 34 appearances.
The 25-year-old is reportedly open to a move this summer. Since his senior debut in 2019, he has made 228 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and winning eight trophies, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.