Inter Moves for Jones: 'White Lie' Exposed
Italian media claim that the Liverpool midfielder's absence from friendlies against Como is not due to a hip injury, but rather his desire to move to Milan. A new round of negotiations is expected.
Italian media claim that the Liverpool midfielder's absence from friendlies against Como is not due to a hip injury, but rather his desire to move to Milan. A new round of negotiations is expected.
Inter is ready for a new round of negotiations with Liverpool over the transfer of Curtis Jones, the 25-year-old English midfielder. According to Italian media reports, a meeting is expected to take place this week, with the key sticking point remaining the difference in valuation.
Liverpool is asking for €40 million for Jones, while Inter is prepared to offer €30 million plus certain bonuses, according to reports from Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, as cited by .rs. The Italians are banking on the fact that Jones's contract at Anfield expires in less than a year, giving them a negotiating advantage.
Goal.com adds that Inter has freed up a squad spot for Jones following Davide Frattesi's loan move to Lazio, and an official bid of €30 million plus bonuses is expected. In Milan, they believe the pressure of the expiring contract will force Liverpool to compromise.
Jones did not play a single minute in Liverpool's two friendlies against Como on Sunday, a club managed by Cesc Fabregas. The official explanation from Liverpool was a hip injury, but Sport Mediaset has called this a 'white lie' masking the real situation.
Italian media claim the real reason for Jones's absence is his desire to force a move to San Siro, where he would join compatriots John Stones and Djed Spence in the squad managed by Cristian Chivu.
Inter is relying on a tactic it already used when bringing in Djed Spence from Tottenham. Spurs initially demanded €50 million, but Inter patiently waited and eventually got a better deal. They now plan to use the same approach in the Jones case.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will cave under the pressure of the player's desire to leave and the expiring contract, or hold firm on their €40 million valuation.
