Inter Milan has reignited their chase for Curtis Jones this summer according to reliable reports.
This is far from the first time Inter have come knocking for the England international.
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The Serie A champions first showed concrete interest back in January, when they tabled a loan-with-option-to-buy proposal.
Their first concrete summer proposal came in at just £17.3 million, before a second improved bid of £21.7 million (around €25m) was also knocked back in June, with Liverpool’s asking price sitting far higher at €40m.
Inter Milan CEO Piero Ausilio has publicly acknowledged the standoff, conceding there remains a “significant gap” between the two clubs’ valuations of the 25-year-old.
But they are now not done. The Athletic’s James Horncastle has reported that the Serie A giants are now telling Liverpool they will pay €35m for Jones:
“Inter have renewed their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.”
“Inter have since contacted Liverpool via intermediaries, who indicated the Serie A champions are willing to pay €35m for Jones — which still falls short of what Liverpool believe the midfielder to be worth.”
Horncastle added that despite Jones’ contract expiring in 2027, there are no active talks with the club over an extension:
“There are no active talks over a new contract for Jones, though Liverpool would be keen to explore a new deal if the gap in expectations between the two sides can be bridged.”
It comes after Andoni Iraola has publicly stated that he wants the 25-year-old to remain at the club:
“I rate Curtis very highly. For me he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing.”
“It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality.”
“From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”
It’s already been suggested Liverpool are increasingly frustrated by Inter’s attempts to drive the price down, and they would rather risk losing Jones for free next summer than accept a cut‑price fee for a homegrown regular.