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Liverpool are set to demand $46.9 million (£35 million) for Curtis Jones amid renewed interest from Serie A title holders Inter this summer, according to several reports.
Inter were strongly linked with a January move for Jones, who was reportedly open to a loan departure after struggling for regular minutes at Merseyside, only to be firmly turned away by Liverpool. Arne Slot was justified in his choice to retain a versatile midfielder who has featured in 48 matches this season, yet the 25-year-old's pursuit of a consistent starting role remains unsatisfied.
Jones has just one year remaining on his deal and contract extension talks have stalled, per The Guardian. It remains uncertain whether Inter will match Liverpool's asking price for a player they could acquire on a free transfer in 12 months, though a second approach this summer is considered "likely."
Liverpool feel confident in their valuation of Jones as it closely mirrors the fee Tottenham Hotspur paid to sign fellow English midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid in January, The Times report.
There is also the possibility of Liverpool pursuing a signing from Inter. Dutch wing-back Denzel Dumfries is believed to be on Slot's radar, and any negotiations would be straightforward given the attack-minded wide player reportedly has a release clause in his contract valued at a relatively modest $29.5 million.
Jones Paves Way for His Own Exit With Arne Slot Flip-Flop
Jones presents a tricky dilemma for Liverpool's decision-makers. The 25-year-old is an undeniably gifted player who happens to occupy the one position of genuine depth in the club's uneven squad: central midfield. The fact that Jones cannot displace a World Cup winner, the reigning Premier League Young Player of the Season, or Liverpool's standout performer does not diminish his value to the squad.
Jones's roots also factor into the equation. The proud Scouser is the last senior squad member born in the city of Liverpool, creating both an emotional and practical headache should he be sold. After 134 years of Liverpudlians in the first-team setup, the Premier League's homegrown player regulations also come into play.
Slot may contend that a player's dedication to the manager matters more than where he comes from.
Jones was among Slot's most enthusiastic supporters when the Dutch coach was appointed, praising how "we're not in a rush to attack," calling it "more me" and saying it left him "the happiest I've been." His praise of this more controlled style of play was so effusive that some supporters interpreted it as a dig at Jürgen Klopp. Nearly two years on, Jones's position appears to have changed.
The midfielder was among several players to 'like' Mohamed Salah's thinly disguised criticism of Slot's tactical approach, placing a clapping emoji under his teammate's call for a return to "heavy metal football."
Should Jones seek a move to Serie A in search of a style that better complements his strengths, Inter have been informed of their price.