Inter Milan is preparing a new transfer bid for Liverpool star Curtis Jones after renewed talks with his camp, with the midfielder remaining its top target this summer
Curtis Jones.
Inter Milan is reportedly preparing another offer for Curtis Jones(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Inter Milan is preparing a fresh bid for Curtis Jones after making renewed contact with the England international's representatives.
The Serie A giants remain keen on the 25-year-old midfielder, who is currently under contract at Liverpool until next summer. New head coach Andoni Iraola is keen to keep the midfielder, although Jones is understood to be looking for a more prominent role.
Inter has already made two bids for Jones this summer after first showing an interest in January. However, Liverpool made it clear at the time that they were not prepared to let the midfielder leave. Jones was a notable absentee from both of Liverpool's matches against Como on Sunday, with Jones not even named on the bench for either fixture.
Further talks are expected soon after the Italian side recently made contact with Jones' camp again, with the new offer set to be independent of any potential departures.
Midfielder Davide Frattesi is set to join Lazio, while Kristjan Asllani has also attracted interest from elsewhere. Italian reports suggest that if both players leave, Inter could have additional funds and space in the squad to make a move for Jones.
Reports claim Inter are taking a similar approach to the one used in their pursuit of Tottenham defender Djed Spence. Inter completed a deal for Spence last week after Spurs eventually lowered their asking price, allowing the Italian club to secure the defender for the fee it wanted.
With talks between Liverpool and Inter reportedly set to resume this week, the Nerazzurri are hoping their patient, 'wait-and-see' approach will deliver a similar outcome in their pursuit of Jones.
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)
Liverpool's £35 million ($47 million) asking price for Jones has reportedly never been viewed as acceptable by Inter's hierarchy, particularly given his current contract situation. Instead, the Italian club is understood to value the midfielder at around £25 million ($34 million).
Jones was heavily involved at the start of pre-season, featuring in all three of Liverpool's matches on their U.S. tour against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. However, he missed the Reds' first friendly on home soil against Monaco, with the club describing his absence as a precaution due to a hip issue, while no reason was given for his absence from Como.
While Liverpool did not provide further details on the injury, Italian media reports have suggested that the reason given for Jones' absence from the Monaco clash may have been a "white lie."
Liverpool.com says: The longer the speculation surrounding Jones continues, the more likely it appears that he could leave Liverpool. The club is standing firm on its valuation of the academy graduate, but its negotiating position could weaken as the weeks go by. Jones is out of contract in 12 months, and if reports of his desire to leave are accurate, he may have little incentive to sign a new deal with Liverpool.