Inter Milan have reportedly submitted an offer for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, though the Serie A champions remain well short of what the Reds are demanding.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are serious about pursuing the England international this summer, viewing him as a smart addition to their squad.
Liverpool have set their asking price at around £35m for Jones, a figure that reflects his status as a homegrown player with genuine value in the current market.
Jones is 25 years old and his current contract runs until 2027, placing Liverpool in a position where they must act decisively before his value begins to decline.
The situation is straightforward for the Reds: either offer Jones fresh terms or sell him before he enters the final year of his deal and loses significant transfer market value.
Inter see clear appeal in the Liverpool midfielder given his technical security, tactical flexibility, and ability to operate across multiple positions in the centre of the pitch.
Jones can function as a No.8, sit deeper in midfield, or cover wider areas when required, making him well-suited to the demands of Italian football.
Tactical intelligence and possession control are qualities that are highly valued in Serie A, and Jones has demonstrated both throughout his career at Liverpool.
ESPN reported that Jones is open to the idea of joining Inter, having found it difficult to secure a guaranteed starting role at Anfield in recent seasons.
Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola could yet offer Jones a fresh opportunity to prove himself, but the club must make that decision quickly and communicate it clearly.
If Iraola views Jones as a central part of his midfield plans, Liverpool should move swiftly to offer him a new contract and remove any uncertainty around his future.
Should the club instead decide that Jones does not fit their long-term vision under Iraola, selling now before his contract situation worsens would be the more sensible business approach.
Liverpool must not allow sentiment to cloud their judgment, even if Jones is an academy graduate with a deep connection to the club and its culture.
Inter believe a deal this summer makes sense for all parties, though Liverpool will not entertain any offer that falls significantly short of their £35m valuation for the midfielder.
