Liverpool are reportedly growing frustrated with Inter Milan's pursuit of Curtis Jones. The midfielder is of interest to the Italian giants, but they aren't willing to match Liverpool's £35million valuation. It's claimed Inter have already submitted two bids for the England international, but both have been some way off the asking price. The latest is said to be in the region of £21m, which is said to have frustrated the 20-time English champions.
Inter Milan's bids fall short
According to reports, Inter have submitted two bids for Curtis Jones, with the most recent being approximately £21m. This figure is significantly lower than Liverpool's valuation of £35m, leading to irritation on Merseyside. The Times reports that talks have temporarily stopped as Liverpool are not interested in entertaining Inter's current offer. However, negotiations could still resume, and the deal is not completely dead.
Liverpool's stance on Jones
Liverpool are willing to let Jones go, but they believe the midfield market is very competitive this summer and that Jones at £35m represents fair value. Inter, on the other hand, appear determined to bargain as much as possible, which could ultimately lead to Liverpool pulling the plug on the deal altogether. There is also a possibility that Liverpool could decide to keep Jones beyond the summer transfer window, especially with new manager Andoni Iraola set to join this summer. Jones was not favoured by the recently departed Arne Slot, but Iraola could give the 25-year-old a lifeline.
Emile Heskey's perspective
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey commented on Jones' future, saying: "I'd be very surprised if he's not pushing for a new contract. So there's something there that tells me that they're not willing to offer him what he wants. They're either not willing to offer him a new contract or they're not willing to offer him what he wants in that contract. He's got ambitions to be a regular England player. So he needs to be playing regularly, and I think he can become a regular England player but he needs to be playing regularly at his club."
Heskey drew a comparison with Scott McTominay, who moved to Napoli and thrived: "I think if Liverpool can't give him that I think he then looks at other pastures. You look at Scott McTominay (at Napoli) who has gone on to play in Italy and he's been lauded for it. He's actually changed the way people look at him as a footballer, and I think Curtis has got the ability to do that. He's got so much ability to lead and he could play in several different positions. We've seen him play right back at times rolling into midfield which is not ideal for him, but he's shown that he's willing to do it and he's willing to try and he's capable of it."
