Curtis Jones is close to joining Nottingham Forest, according to questionable reports in Italy, leaving Inter Milan to consider alternative midfield options.
Jones has been linked to an exit throughout the summer, with Inter having tabled two rejected bids and Nottingham Forest cited with interest.
The Scouser was described as “reluctant” to entertain the Premier League side’s interest, who are armed with £116 million after sanctioning Elliot Anderson’s move to Man City.
But a report in Saturday’s print edition of Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, claimed Inter will miss out on Jones as he is now ‘closer’ to a move to the City Ground.
There was no mention of the potential fee, only that Liverpool are close to striking an agreement with Forest. This has not yet been corroborated or dismissed by the English media.
Reasons to be sceptical about latest Curtis Jones claim
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Inter had identified Jones as their top target and were expected to return to the negotiating table after signing off on a deal for Israeli Khalaili, which is on standby with more medical tests needed.
A consideration, meanwhile, with the line of reporting from Corriere dello Sport is that it could be a spin from Inter to explain why they have missed out on a known target.
Their sporting director, Piero Ausilio, recently admitted there was an impasse with Liverpool over Jones’ valuation, and this could be an attempt to put a line through their pursuit.
Liverpool are known to value Jones at £40 million, and they will not budge on that figure despite the 25-year-old entering the final year of his contract.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 24, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones scores the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It would mark a significant turn from Jones if the report is accurate, with Forest a step down from his role as a regular at Liverpool.
It would, however, underline a desperate desire to leave Anfield seven years after he debuted for the first team.
Oliver Glasner was recently appointed at Forest in the latest managerial change, with Vitor Pereira sacked at the last hour by controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis.
As it stands, Jones is due to report for Liverpool’s pre-season at the start of the week.