Inter in direct talks with Liverpool for Curtis Jones | OneFootball

Inter Milan are in talks with Liverpool over a potential move for midfielder Curtis Jones as the winter transfer window approaches its final days.

The Serie A leaders have identified Jones as a possible reinforcement and have opened direct club-to-club discussions with Liverpool.

The proposed structure is understood to be a loan deal with an option to buy, rather than an immediate permanent transfer.

Negotiations are said to be linked to Inter’s plans regarding Davide Frattesi, who is attracting interest and could yet leave before the deadline.

Liverpool, meanwhile, face a decision as they balance squad depth against financial and strategic considerations late in the window.

Arne Slot’s side have already sanctioned several departures in recent days.

Luke Chambers has joined Charlton Athletic on loan, James Norris has completed a permanent move to Shelbourne, and Lewis Koumas has gone to Hull City on a season-long loan.

Jones’ situation is more significant given his status within the squad.

The 24-year-old is a homegrown player who came through Liverpool’s academy and has been part of multiple trophy-winning sides.

Despite his age, Jones has already won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup and the Under-21 European Championship with England.

This season, however, his role has been less consistent.

He has started only 10 of Liverpool’s 23 Premier League matches and four of their seven Champions League fixtures.

Competition for places in midfield has limited his minutes, even if he remains a trusted option.

Interest in Jones has been building.

Tottenham Hotspur have previously been linked with a move and are believed to view him as a long-term option.

Inter’s interest now appears more advanced.

According to reports in Italy, Jones has already given his approval to a loan move to the San Siro.

The final decision rests with Liverpool, who must decide whether to allow a midfielder of Jones’ profile to leave mid-season.

Jones is under contract until the summer of 2027, meaning Liverpool are not under immediate pressure to sell.

Any sale would also represent pure profit under financial regulations due to his academy status.

Inter are thought to be discussing a buy option valued at around €40m.

Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace remains a long-term target, although any move is more likely to be revisited in the summer.

Slot has publicly praised Jones’ all-round game, describing him as a complete midfielder capable of influencing matches at both ends of the pitch.

That makes the timing of the talks notable.

Liverpool are still competing on multiple fronts and have little margin for error in the league.

Allowing Jones to leave now would be a calculated risk.

From Inter’s perspective, the appeal is clear.

They are pushing for domestic and European success and want additional quality and depth in midfield.

With the window closing soon, the coming days will determine whether discussions turn into a deal.

For now, talks are ongoing and the situation remains finely balanced.