Liverpool's Summer Rebuild: Curtis Jones Transfer News

Liverpool’s summer rebuild is edging towards a ruthless phase. One key midfielder in his prime is now far closer to the exit.

While the noise around Anfield is dominated by the chase for two new wingers – with Bradley Barcola sitting at the top of the shortlist – the real movement is happening in the middle of the pitch. As Liverpool push to refresh their wide options, the dominoes behind the scenes are starting to fall.

If Barcola arrives, along with another wide signing, Cody Gakpo is expected to be given the green light to join Tottenham. The Dutch forward has already agreed personal terms with Spurs, a clear sign that Liverpool are prepared to reshape their attacking unit if the right bids land.

But Gakpo is not the only player in his prime who could be sacrificed before the window shuts.

Inter clear the decks for Curtis Jones

Inter Milan’s interest in Curtis Jones has never been subtle. The 25-year-old has been a long-standing priority for the Serie A champions, who first pushed hard for him in January and have kept him at the top of their midfield list ever since.

Inter have already tested Liverpool’s resolve several times this summer. Their highest offer so far reached around €30m (£26m), but each bid hit the same brick wall: Liverpool’s valuation. The Reds had been holding out for roughly €40m (£34m), a figure Inter were unwilling to match.

There was another obstacle too. Inter needed to create space in their squad and on their balance sheet. Fabrizio Romano made it clear they would not return with a new proposal for Jones until Davide Frattesi was moved on.

That changed this week.

Romano delivered his trademark “here we go” on Frattesi’s switch to Lazio, confirming the midfielder has joined on an initial €5m loan with a €10m buy option and a 50% sell-on clause in Inter’s favour. With Frattesi out and a future payday still protected, Inter have cleared one of the key hurdles in their pursuit of Jones.

Liverpool drop the price

The second condition was always going to be the hardest: Liverpool lowering their demands.

Now they have.

Romano reported that Inter still view Jones as a priority target and now believe a deal is realistic at around €35m (£30m). That figure has since been backed up on Merseyside. The Liverpool Echo revealed on Saturday that the club are now willing to accept €35m / £30m for the academy graduate, having previously been set on £34m.

Talks with Inter had stalled in recent weeks, but this shift changes the landscape. A gap that once felt too wide has narrowed to a number both clubs can live with.

For Liverpool, it would mean cashing in on a homegrown midfielder entering his peak years to help fund a broader rebuild. For Inter, it is the chance to land a long-term target at a price they consider manageable.

The conditions are in place. Frattesi is gone, the price is down, and Jones remains at the top of Inter’s list.

Now it comes down to whether Liverpool are truly ready to let one of their own walk away at 25 – and whether Inter are bold enough to finally turn long-standing admiration into a decisive bid.