Inter Milan preparing final offer for Curtis Jones as Liverpool face contract dilemma

Inter Milan are reportedly preparing a final push to sign Curtis Jones, with the Liverpool midfielder emerging as one of the club's priority targets for the summer transfer window.

The Serie A champions have maintained an interest in Jones since January and now appear ready to increase their offer as they attempt to bridge the gap with Liverpool's valuation.

While excitement around the potential move continues to grow in Italy, there remains a sense that the speculation may be moving faster than the negotiations themselves.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter see Jones as a key component in their long-term plans.

The Italian champions are looking to build what has been described as a "team of the future" following a highly successful campaign, and the Liverpool academy graduate is viewed as an ideal fit.

Inter's recruitment team reportedly believe the 25-year-old possesses the technical qualities, versatility and experience required to strengthen their midfield for years to come.

Interest in the player is not new.

The Nerazzurri explored a move during the January transfer window but ultimately postponed any serious attempt until the summer.

Now, they appear ready to test Liverpool's resolve once again.

One of the main reasons Inter believe a deal is possible concerns Jones' contract situation.

Reports suggest his current agreement expires next summer, meaning he would be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in six months if no extension is agreed.

That naturally creates pressure on Liverpool.

Having developed through the club's academy, any transfer fee received would represent pure profit from an accounting perspective, making the situation financially significant.

Inter are believed to see this as an opportunity.

The current gap between the clubs is believed to be around €10m.

Part of the growing intrigue surrounding the transfer stems from comments made by former Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa.

The Italian revealed that Jones had asked him about life in Italy, something Inter supporters have eagerly interpreted as a positive sign.

According to Chiesa, he told Jones that life in Italy was enjoyable and highlighted the differences in climate compared to England.

However, casual conversations between footballers are hardly unusual and should not necessarily be viewed as evidence of an imminent transfer.

That has not stopped Italian media from increasingly portraying Jones as a realistic target.

Despite the growing speculation, Liverpool remain in a strong negotiating position.

The club are under no immediate obligation to sell and can still attempt to reach an agreement over a new contract.

Much will depend on Jones' own ambitions and how he fits into Andoni Iraola's plans moving forward.

Having followed Liverpool's squad evolution in recent years, academy graduates who establish themselves in the first team are rarely allowed to leave without significant consideration.

That makes Inter's task more complicated than some reports may suggest.

Inter are expected to reopen discussions with Liverpool in the coming days and present an improved proposal. Whether that offer is enough to shift Liverpool's position remains uncertain.

For now, the transfer remains a genuine possibility rather than an advanced deal. The growing excitement in Italy is understandable, but there is still considerable work to be done before Curtis Jones can be considered genuinely close to leaving Anfield.

Should Liverpool cash in on Curtis Jones if he enters the final year of his contract, or is he too important to lose for around €30m?