Inter eye Curtis Jones as Liverpool stance leaves Aleksandar Stankovic decision looming

Inter Milan remain determined to sign Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, although the Serie A giants may need to sanction the sale of Aleksandar Stankovic before they can make a serious move.

The England international has been one of Inter's priority midfield targets since January, but Liverpool's valuation and the Nerazzurri's squad balance continue to complicate negotiations.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, sporting director Piero Ausilio continues to view Jones as his preferred midfield signing despite Liverpool demanding around €40 million for the 24-year-old.

With Jones' contract running until 2027, Inter are hoping Liverpool's asking price falls before the transfer window closes or circumstances change to make a deal more achievable.

Following the collapse of their pursuit of Cristian Romero, the Italian club are now focusing their efforts on strengthening the right flank and midfield.

Inter's biggest obstacle is not only the transfer fee but also space within the squad.

While departures such as Davide Frattesi could help, La Gazzetta suggests the sale of Aleksandar Stankovic would have a much greater impact on Inter's ability to pursue Jones.

The club recently rejected a €40 million offer from Brentford for the midfielder, underlining how highly he is regarded.

However, the report claims Inter could be forced to reconsider if another significant offer arrives.

Stankovic recently reaffirmed his desire to remain at Inter after returning to the club, with the Nerazzurri also viewing him as an important long-term player.

Nevertheless, his profile as a technically gifted midfielder capable of operating both as a deep-lying playmaker and a central midfielder mirrors many of the qualities Inter admire in Jones.

That similarity could ultimately leave Inter facing a difficult decision if they are to finance a move for the Liverpool star.

Inter are expected to continue monitoring Jones' situation while assessing potential departures before the transfer window closes. Liverpool's valuation remains the biggest hurdle, although a major offer for Stankovic could significantly improve the Italian club's chances of reviving negotiations.