Curtis Jones' absence from recent Liverpool friendlies has fueled further speculation over a possible move to Inter Milan
Curtis Jones of Liverpool stands on the pitch during the pre-season friendly
Curtis Jones continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield this summer(Image: Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Curtis Jones continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, and the official explanation for his absence from Liverpool's recent friendlies has now been described as a 'white lie' by the Italian media.
Inter Milan's interest in the Reds' academy graduate is no secret, with links first emerging all the way back in the January transfer window. At the time, the midfielder was struggling to establish himself as a key figure under former head coach Arne Slot.
Regardless, a move never transpired before the deadline and Jones saw out the season at Liverpool. Many supporters anticipated the change in leadership, with Andoni Iraola replacing Slot at the start of the summer, could prompt a change of heart for the boyhood Red, but the rumors have not died down in recent weeks.
Jones is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with Liverpool, and an extension does not appear imminent. Links between the player and Inter resurfaced at the start of the summer, and the Italian media continues to insist he is a top target for manager Cristian Chivu.
The 25-year-old was heavily involved at the start of preseason as he featured in all three games on the U.S. tour, playing against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. However, he missed the first friendly on home soil against Monaco in what the club described as a precautionary measure for a hip injury.
Sunday saw the final two friendlies take place against Como on the same day. They were back-to-back games, with one taking place earlier in the day behind closed doors at the AXA Training Centre and the second in the evening at Anfield, but Jones did not feature in either.
While the official reason for his absence was not disclosed by the club, the Italian media has suggested the injury cited for his absence from the Monaco game was a 'white lie'. Sport Mediaset says Inter is planning just one final incoming transfer this summer and Jones remains its primary target.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on August 05, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch make their way out for Liverpool training(Image: Getty Images)
The report adds that Liverpool's £35 million ($47 million) asking price for Jones was never deemed acceptable by Inter's hierarchy due to the player's contract situation. Instead, the club views £25 million ($34 million) as an acceptable fee, similar to what it paid Tottenham for full back Djed Spence.
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Inter has been on a strong recruitment drive for English players this summer, with Spence the latest arrival. The club also signed defender John Stones as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Manchester City and still hopes to add Jones to its ranks.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has had an extremely quiet summer so far. Jeremy Jacquet arrived at the club after a deal was agreed back in January. The Reds also triggered Victor Munoz's release clause at Osasuna, while Ronald Araujo was signed on loan from Barcelona, with funds seemingly reserved for attacking areas as Mohamed Salah is yet to be replaced.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool would enter the market for a midfielder if Jones were to depart. Liverpool was tentatively linked with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton earlier in the summer, but the middle of the park has so far not been an area of focus for the club in this transfer window.