Liverpool’s midfield dilemma as Inter’s £20m bid meets £35m price

Liverpool face a midfield planning dilemma as England midfielder Curtis Jones approaches the final year of his 2027 contract, with the club valuing him at roughly £35 million. Inter Milan, the Serie A champions, have so far only offered around £20 million, a gap that leaves Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes racing against time to either cash in or retain the homegrown talent.

Jones, 25, emerged on Inter’s radar in January but the clubs could not agree on terms, prompting him to remain at Anfield. With his contract running until 2027, Liverpool must decide whether to sell before the summer window closes or risk losing him on a free later.

Inter Milan have stuck to their position, refusing to raise their bid significantly beyond the £20 million mark. Liverpool’s £35 million valuation makes the Italian side’s offer insufficient to satisfy the Premier League club.

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio told the press at the transfer market launch that the club has maintained interest in Jones since January. “I have never denied our interest in this lad; we also tried in January,” Ausilio said, adding, “there is quite a significant gap between the valuation we have and Liverpool’s, so right now I would say it’s a very difficult deal.”

Despite the interest, Jones has indicated a preference for a move to Inter, yet Liverpool are unwilling to sell him below his £35 million price tag. Consequently, Liverpool’s decision‑makers are prepared to keep him through the summer window while they weigh the financial risk.

New head coach Andoni Iraola will oversee preseason, where Jones can stake an early claim for a starting role after many players return late from the FIFA World Cup. If he proves his worth, Liverpool may reopen contract talks to secure his future beyond 2027.

Other clubs reportedly monitoring Jones include Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Tottenham, adding further competition for his signature. With Inter’s bid stalled, Jones appears inclined to remain at Liverpool at least in the short term, pending any breakthrough in negotiations.