Journalist: Liverpool star could be set to stay after transfer U-turn
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Liverpool stand firm as Inter’s £21.7m bid for Jones falls short
Liverpool have made their position clear after renewed interest from Inter in midfielder Curtis Jones, with the Premier League champions unwilling to entertain offers anywhere near the reported £21.7m valuation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAccording to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, Inter recently made contact with Liverpool to explore whether a deal could be possible for around €25m, which equates to roughly £21.7m. While no formal offer was submitted, the conversation has helped clarify Liverpool’s stance on one of their most talented academy graduates.
The original source of the report came via Ben Jacobs on social media, where he outlined both Inter’s interest and Liverpool’s increasingly firm position regarding the midfielder’s future.
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool reject Inter valuation
Jones remains a highly regarded figure within Liverpool despite ongoing speculation surrounding his future. The midfielder has experienced periods of inconsistency and injury disruption during recent seasons, yet there remains a strong belief within the club that he can still play an important role.
AdvertisementAdvertisementJacobs reported:
“Inter made a fresh approach for Curtis Jones last week asking whether a deal was possible for around €25m.”
He also clarified that:
“This was a conversation not a formal or written offer.”
That distinction is important. Inter were effectively testing Liverpool’s willingness to negotiate rather than presenting a concrete proposal. Liverpool’s response appears to have been swift and decisive.
The report added:
“Liverpool made it clear no sale at this price, especially given numbers other midfielders are expected to be sold for this summer.”
In a market where homegrown players command a premium and experienced midfielders regularly move for significantly higher fees, Liverpool’s reluctance to engage is understandable.
AdvertisementAdvertisementGrowing importance under Iraola
One of the more intriguing aspects of the situation concerns Jones’ relationship with new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
While competition for midfield places remains fierce, Liverpool are reportedly comfortable keeping the 25-year-old at Anfield. Rather than rushing towards a sale, the club appear willing to assess how Jones develops under a different tactical structure.
Jacobs stated:
“Liverpool are prepared to keep Jones unless a suitable bid arises, even if that means losing him on a free next summer.”
That is a significant position to take. Clubs are rarely willing to risk losing valuable assets without securing a transfer fee, yet Liverpool’s confidence in Jones’ contribution appears to outweigh those concerns.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe report also suggests that a strong campaign could completely alter the conversation around his contract situation.
Contract talks remain possible
Perhaps the most notable section of Jacobs’ update concerns Liverpool’s long-term thinking.
Despite interest from Inter and other clubs, there are no concerns within the club regarding Jones’ professionalism or attitude. That remains a key factor when assessing his future.
Jacobs wrote:
“Liverpool have never had concerns about Jones’ attitude or professionalism despite Inter reapproaching the club, and growing interest elsewhere.”
For a player who has spent his entire career at Liverpool, those qualities continue to carry weight.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe report goes even further, indicating that fresh contract discussions remain a realistic possibility if Jones impresses during the coming months.
Liverpool are effectively leaving every option on the table. A substantial offer could trigger negotiations, but a successful season could just as easily result in a new long-term agreement.
Market realities shape Liverpool stance
Inter’s enquiry highlights the challenge facing clubs across Europe. Finding talented, homegrown midfielders with Premier League experience for £21.7m has become increasingly difficult.
Jones offers versatility, technical quality and a deep understanding of Liverpool’s culture. Those factors naturally increase his value beyond simple statistical analysis.
According to Jacobs, Liverpool’s position has actually strengthened following Inter’s latest approach.
“Understand the club’s position has hardened as a result of Inter’s latest contact.”
That suggests any future negotiations would require a significantly improved offer before Liverpool even consider entering meaningful discussions.
For now, Jones appears set to remain at Anfield. Inter may admire the midfielder, but Liverpool clearly believe his value extends well beyond a £21.7m bid. Whether that leads to a new contract or another season fighting for a place in the starting XI, the club remain firmly in control of the situation.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
