Inter raise Curtis Jones offer to €35m as Liverpool exit looms

Inter Milan have renewed their pursuit of Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, with the Italian champions willing to raise their offer to €35m (£30m), according to the Guardian. The club had previously seen a €25m bid rejected, but the new approach signals their determination to strengthen the squad as they prepare to defend their Serie A title.

Jones has only one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, which gives Liverpool a decision to make: cash in now or risk losing the 25-year-old for free next summer. Inter's willingness to increase their offer reflects the urgency of their need, with the club's midfield in need of reinforcement ahead of the new season.

The move is part of a busy transfer window for the Italian champions, who are also competing in the expanded Club World Cup and preparing for the domestic campaign. Inter's spending power, backed by their recent title success, has made them one of the most active clubs in Europe this summer.

The Guardian reported that Inter have made another approach for Jones and are prepared to raise their offer to €35m, having had a €25m bid rejected earlier in the window. Liverpool, who signed Jones from their academy, have yet to respond publicly, but the midfielder's contract situation puts pressure on the club to reach a decision before the transfer deadline.

For Inter, the pursuit of Jones is part of a broader strategy to add English talent to a squad that already features several internationals. The club's sporting directors have been active in the market, and a deal for Jones would represent a significant statement of intent as they look to build on their Scudetto triumph and make an impact in European competition.

From a regional perspective, the move highlights the growing financial muscle of Serie A's top clubs. While Italian football has often been seen as a selling league, Inter's willingness to spend £30m on a Premier League midfielder signals a shift. The club's owners have backed the manager with significant funds, and the arrival of Jones would be one of the marquee signings of the Italian summer window.

The Guardian noted that Jones has only one year left on his contract, which could persuade Liverpool to sell rather than lose him for nothing. Inter are expected to make a formal offer in the coming days, and the outcome of the negotiations will be closely watched by fans in both countries.