Inter Milan have reportedly made a third attempt to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with the Serie A club increasing their offer after two previous bids were rejected. The Reds have turned down offers of £21 million and £27 million this summer, valuing the England international at £35 million.
Inter's Persistent Pursuit
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Inter have now made a new approach through intermediaries. However, Jones will remain at Liverpool unless their valuation of £34 million-plus (€40m+) is met. Jones is in the final 12 months of the five-year deal he signed in 2022 and can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from New Year's Day.
Iraola's Hope for Jones to Stay
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed his desire to keep the academy graduate at Anfield. Speaking on Monday, Iraola said: "I will have the chance to speak with him today. I rate Curtis very highly. 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."
Inter President's Cautious Approach
Inter president and chief executive Giuseppe Marotta addressed the club's transfer strategy at a press conference on Monday, referencing the need to replace Denzel Dumfries. He said: "The transfer market is extremely difficult. The figures involved are incredible and have relegated Italy to a supporting role. Our owners have given us the green light to make further investments. I hope we can find a solution quickly. We know we need to complete the squad, but we can't act out of panic. Any decision has to be the result of careful work."
Marotta added: "Our objective is to win sustainably. For the second year running, we'll close our accounts in a healthy position, while also having won two major trophies. You need to be creative in the transfer market, but that doesn't mean the club won't approve further investment. We have to keep a close eye on costs, particularly player wages and agents' fees. There's still a month and a half to go until the transfer window closes, so there's no need to rush. We'll give the coach everything he needs to work in the best possible conditions. We have the resources to invest, but every move has to make sense."
