Liverpool have definitively rejected a second bid from Inter Milan for midfielder Curtis Jones, with the club indicating that the Serie A champions' offer is so far from their own valuation that further discussions are currently unwarranted. Inter's latest proposal for the England international was approximately £21 million, a figure Liverpool believes significantly undervalues the player.
The Anfield club is understood to be holding out for a fee closer to £40 million for the 23-year-old Merseysider. This stance comes despite Jones entering the final year of his contract, which is set to expire next summer, raising the prospect of him leaving on a free transfer in 12 months' time. However, Liverpool remains hopeful that Jones will commit his future to the club by signing a new deal.
Reports suggest that Inter Milan believes they have an agreement in principle with Jones himself, but they are not prepared to meet Liverpool's £40 million asking price. The Italian giants are also exploring other midfield targets, including Manu Koné of Roma, as they look to strengthen their squad.
Liverpool's firm stance on Jones's valuation is influenced by the current dynamics of the midfield transfer market. The club notes significant fees being discussed for other players, such as Manchester City's reported interest in Elliot Anderson for over £100 million, and the high price tags associated with players like Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes. They also highlight recent transfers like Tottenham's acquisition of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million, who, like Jones, had only one year remaining on his contract.
Jones featured prominently for Liverpool last season, making 49 appearances across all competitions. However, only 18 of those were starts in the Premier League. Towards the end of the campaign, under then-manager Arne Slot, Jones even found himself deployed at right-back, showcasing his versatility.