Inter Milan have already seen bids rejected by Liverpool for Curtis Jones.
Liverpool are expected to take a firm stance on Curtis Jones’ future as the midfielder approaches a crucial point in his career.
The 25-year-old is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield, with the club having already rejected two offers from Inter Milan. The latest bid, worth around £21million, fell well short of Liverpool’s £40million valuation.
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Jones is reportedly open to a move to the Serie A champions and has even been linked with discussions with Federico Chiesa about life in Italy. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has admitted there is still a significant gap between the two clubs’ valuations.
Piero Ausilio said: “I have never denied our interest in this lad; we also tried in January. I must be just as honest though: we like him, he is a player who certainly has the characteristics that could potentially add something extra to our midfield, which is already very strong.
“However, at the moment there is quite a significant gap between the valuation we have and Liverpool’s. Since he is a Liverpool player, he has every right to ask for what he legitimately wants, but we have every right to say whether it works for us or not, so right now I would say it’s a very difficult deal.”
However, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are ready to restart negotiations after completing other transfer business, with Jones remaining a priority target.
The Italian outlet reports that once Inter complete an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise for the signing of Israeli winger Anan Khalaili, Jones will return to the club’s agenda, with the Serie A side having “never given up” on securing his signature.
The Serie A giants admire Jones’ technical ability and his ability to compete physically at the highest level. However, Liverpool are prepared to keep the academy graduate unless a suitable offer is made for a player they continue to value highly.
It has been suggested that Liverpool could open talks over a new contract for Curtis Jones later this year if the midfielder settles into life under Andoni Iraola.
Jones is one of eight first-team players entering the final year of their contracts at Anfield, alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Joe Gomez.
The midfielder is set to return for pre-season training next week after a seven-week break, having missed out on selection for England’s World Cup squad.
Nottingham Forest are, meanwhile, considering a move for Jones as a possible replacement for Elliot Anderson following his record £116million transfer to Manchester City.