The speculative noise surrounding Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones future at Liverpool has taken another concrete step forward, with Serie A champions Inter Milan preparing to test the waters on Merseyside with an improved official bid.
According to a fresh update from transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Inter are now prepared to package an offer exceeding €35 million (£30m+) for the 25-year-old midfielder.
Inter expected to place a new bid for Curtis Jones. Talks to date, mostly via intermediaries, have seen in a gulf in valuation. Yet Inter now prepared to pay over €35m.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 12, 2026
No fresh offer has reached Liverpool as of Wednesday afternoon, but that is expected to change soon.🏴 pic.twitter.com/L7KvyHSJ5k
While talks between the two clubs have largely been facilitated through intermediaries up to this point, the Italian giants are keen to formalise their interest as the summer transfer deadline draws closer.
Crucially, no fresh, formal bid has reached the desk of Liverpool's decision-makers at the AXA Training Centre as of Wednesday afternoon. However, sources close to negotiations expect that picture to change very quickly as Inter step up their pursuit.
The primary sticking point throughout the summer dialogue has been a distinct gulf in valuation between the two clubs.
Inter’s previous discussions through third parties had fallen well short of Liverpool’s internal assessment of the Scouse midfielder.
While an offer north of €35m represents a significant step up from Inter's initial probing, Liverpool hold a strong bargaining position, even with Jones entering the final 12 months of his contract next summer.
Head coach Andoni Iraola has already made his feelings known behind the scenes and in public: he views Jones as an integral part of his tactical plans for the upcoming campaign. Jones’ ability to retain possession in tight spaces, coupled with his home-grown status and deep emotional bond with the club, makes him a valuable asset inside Kirkby.
What this means for Jones and Iraola's squad
For Jones, the situation presents a fascinating career crossroads. Having come through the academy ranks to make well over 100 senior appearances for his boyhood club, the midfielder has never actively agitating for a move away from Anfield.
However, guaranteed starter status in Liverpool's competitive midfield unit remains hard-fought. With Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch all pushing for prominent roles, Inter can offer Jones a starring role in the Italian top flight and guaranteed Champions League football.
Jones returned to full training at Kirkby on Wednesday after missing last weekend's friendly against Monaco with a minor hip problem. He is currently expected to feature in Sunday’s pre-season double-header against Como at Anfield.
Whether Sunday’s match against the Serie A side serves as a final pre-season tune-up or a prelude to a late-window departure will depend entirely on just how high Inter are willing to push their bid when it officially lands.
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