Liverpool could be about to lose Curtis Jones, with Inter Milan preparing an improved bid of £30m after having around £21m knocked back. According to the ECHO, the Serie A champions remain keen, and while the offer is still £5m short of the Reds' valuation, the two sides are getting closer.
The 25-year-old midfielder has struggled to secure regular first-team football in recent seasons and appears ready to cut ties with his hometown club. Inter have already signed John Stones on a free transfer following his Manchester City exit and want Jones as another English acquisition.
A star rated above Gerrard
The impending exit would be a sad one for Steven Gerrard, who worked closely with Jones in Liverpool's under-18s and has repeatedly praised the midfielder. Speaking to The Anfield Wrap in 2024, the Anfield legend said: "Curtis is more talented than me in terms of technical, in terms of dribbling ability, in terms of manipulating the ball, close control."
Gerrard also recalled Jones' standout performances in youth matches, saying: "Every time Curtis played for me against Everton and Manchester United, he was the man of the match in every single game. That tells me that he's got what you need to play for Liverpool. He needs to stay in this 11 now. He needs to take the challenge on."
Iraola wants to keep local talent
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has also voiced his admiration for Jones, stressing the importance of keeping a Scouser in the squad. He said: "For me, he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing."
"It’s very important that he's Scouse, that he's from here. I also like the personality. From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time." Despite those warm words, Jones appears set for a fresh start elsewhere.
