Curtis Jones exit moves closer as Inter Milan exert leverage over midfielder deal | OneFootball

Liverpool have had to put up with Inter Milan’s interest in Curtis Jones for quite some time now.

The 25-year-old first appeared on the Italian side’s radar back in January - when head coach Cristian Chivu attempted to mastermind a transfer.

Liverpool said no - pointing to a lack of alternatives in midfield - but were always likely to face pressure for the England international this summer.

Time running out for Liverpool over Jones

The playmaker has now got less than a year to run on his Liverpool contract and the club are in danger of losing him for nothing next summer.

Given his current value is around £35m that is a far from ideal outcome - leading Richard Hughes to the conclusion that business needs to be done in the current transfer window.

Previous reports suggest that the six-cap Englishman has already okayed a deal to join the Serie A title-holders on a five-year deal.

Inter to exert leverage over Jones deal

A club-to-club agreement is still lacking with the Reds holding out for the full amount of the player’s transfer value.

As the window moves to its conclusion however that stance is likely to be tested - with Inter now exerting their “leverage” over Liverpool in order to get a deal on their own terms.

It’s been reported that the Nerazzurri are prepared to pay £30m for Jones right now but even that price could come down before the saga reaches its ends.

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Iraola wants quick resolution

Corriere dello Sport is reporting that the €40m asking price is currently holding up the deal but a resolution closer to Inter’s valuation will soon be forthcoming.

“The main obstacle is Liverpool's demands, given that they are starting with a €40 million request,” the report reads.

“Based on Chivu's widespread approval of his characteristics, Inter are leveraging the fact that the midfielder's contract expires in June 2027, with the intention of lowering the price, not even being able to pursue a loan deal.”

These are not ideal circumstances for Liverpool and given the short duration of his contract they are running out of options. It looks like Inter are prepared to sit and wait - eager for the price to come down.