Inter Milan have confirmed they are increasingly unlikely to sign Curtis Jones due to Liverpool's high asking price, according to club director Piero Ausilio. The 25-year-old midfielder is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield, and the Reds are open to selling him rather than risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Inter's long-standing interest and rejected bids
Inter first expressed interest in Jones in January, when Liverpool flatly rejected a loan offer with an option to buy. The Serie A side maintained their interest, holding talks over the past few weeks. Liverpool recently turned down a €25 million (£21.7m) bid from Inter and value the player at nearer £35 million.
Ausilio admitted the gap in valuations makes a deal unlikely. "I've never denied that we like Curtis Jones," he said. "He has the qualities that could give us something extra. But there's a significant gap between our valuation and Liverpool's. Liverpool have every right to ask for what they believe is a fair price, and we have every right to decide whether that works for us or not. As things stand, I'd say it's very difficult."
Other interested clubs and Jones's stance
Jones is believed to be unwilling to join Nottingham Forest, who are seeking a midfielder after Elliot Anderson's £116m move to Manchester City. Aston Villa and Arsenal have also been linked with the Liverpool academy graduate during the transfer window.
