Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed Curtis Jones' departure for Inter Milan, while he was also asked about Cody Gakpo, who has transfer interest from Tottenham
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.
Andoni Iraola during a Liverpool press conference.(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola says Curtis Jones leaving to sign for Inter Milan is no huge surprise after an early conversation that he had with the midfielder this summer.
Iraola was asked about Jones, who is set to make a $41 million (£30 million) transfer move to Serie A, and the Liverpool boss responded to his departure, which means that there are no Scousers left among the Liverpool ranks.
"I talked to him on the first or second training, and I valued him a lot as a player," Iraola explained. "He loves this club and that was very clear since the beginning, but I understood the outcome would be what it is in the end.
"Curtis is a very good player but I understood straight away that he has been in the same position for some years. It was a situation where (an exit) could happen and it looks like it is going to happen, yes."
Meanwhile, the Spaniard has insisted that Cody Gakpo has impressed this summer amid interest from Tottenham. The Dutchman is expected to start for Liverpool at Newcastle this weekend.
Gakpo is a player that Liverpool would be in no rush to lose, especially before other wingers come in, but Spurs remain keen on the Dutchman, who signed a new deal last summer.
"Cody is performing well, and he has been since first day understanding everything we need," Iraola added. "You can feel it straight away, he is smart, understands the game.
"He has been one of our best players in the friendlies, performing well. I cannot tell you the XI (for Newcastle), but he is in a good shape."
Liverpool is still hoping to get more signings through the door before the September 1 transfer deadline. Work is ongoing to bring in Bradley Barcola from PSG while Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Mbaye have also been looked at.
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