Liverpool may soon find the answer to their Curtis Jones problem. With one year remaining on his contract and no talks of extending on the horizon, the Reds may have finally found a club that could persuade them to part ways with the 25-year-old.
Elliot Anderson's £116m move opens door for Jones
England star Elliot Anderson is set to join Manchester City for a deal worth £116 million from Nottingham Forest. The Premier League side will require a replacement for the former Newcastle youngster and are flush with cash to fund it.
The Tricky Trees have already been linked with a move for Reds star Jones as they eye a number of players to reinforce their midfield. If the Merseyside club are happy to engage over an exit for their academy product, Forest will be capable of meeting their asking price.
Inter Milan's lowball offers frustrate Liverpool
That is in great contrast to Inter Milan, who have tracked Jones since January. The Serie A side have only frustrated Liverpool with their approach, however. Liverpool knocked back a £21 million bid from Inter, with the offer falling well below their valuation of Jones. The midfielder is valued at around £35 million, despite having just a year remaining on his contract.
Richard Hughes reportedly has little interest in engaging in protracted negotiations with Inter. The Italian club are not viewed as a serious suitor for Jones' signature given their approach so far.
Blow in pursuit of Yan Diomande
Elsewhere, Liverpool have been dealt a blow to their transfer plans. Target Yan Diomande reportedly wants to join Paris Saint-Germain if he is to leave RB Leipzig. Ivory Coast star Diomande has been identified as Liverpool's top target to replace Mohamed Salah, having already secured Victor Munoz's services. The Reds told Leipzig that they would pay £86 million for the 19-year-old's services but the Bundesliga side have been determined to keep him thus far.
It appears that Liverpool are not Diomande's primary option however. The Athletic reports that Diomande has chosen PSG as he not only believes the project in Paris gives him the best opportunity to compete for major trophies and the Ballon d'Or, but he also wants to play for Luis Enrique. Diomande had previously appeared open to plying his trade in the Premier League. "I don't know. I'm an RB Leipzig player, but why not?" he said. "In the end, my agents take care of that. As for me, I'm more focused on the World Cup."
