Richard Hughes is playing right into Inter Milan's hands over midfielder deal

Liverpool are set for a major midfield overhaul this summer.

We’ve seen talents such as Lamine Camara, Alex Scott and Eduardo Camavinga linked with inbound moves to Anfield. But any deals concluded for incoming players will require exits.

Alexis Mac Allister - under contract until 2028 - is a candidate to leave with talks at a standstill over a new deal. And most pressingly there is a situation regarding Curtis Jones to sort out.

Inter Milan want deal for Curtis Jones

Jones, 25, has got a contract which expires in summer 2027. This year represents the final opportunity Richard Hughes will have to make some money on the homegrown playmaker.

There is no sign of a new deal on the horizon - meaning the outgoing Premier League champions could lose a top midfielder for nothing.

That is unless a deal can be concluded this summer with Inter Milan - who are beginning to test the Liverpool sporting director’s patience.

Inter testing Richard Hughes' patience

Inter want to sign Jones in the current transfer window but have stubbornly refused to meet Liverpool’s asking price.

The Merseysiders want around £30m for their No17 according to a report in La Gazzetta dello Sport but the Nerazzurri will only offer £20m.

It has all led to an impasse but Inter believe they hold the upper hand in the deal. The Italian champions have got a trump card according to the report because Jones wants the deal to go through.

And the longer the transfer drags out the more chance the Serie A giants believe they have of getting the deal done.

Liverpool playing into Inter's hands over Jones

Inter are banking on Liverpool and Hughes getting nervous over the prospect of losing Jones for free next summer.

“The feeling is that Inter could soon overcome Liverpool's resistance,” the report reads.

“The Reds continue to demand around 30 million pounds, while Inter's offer remains stuck at around 20 million.

“A significant gap, but one that Inter's transfer market officials are confident they can close, thanks to Jones' desire to move to Milan to begin a whole new chapter not only in his career, but also in his life.

“The midfielder has always lived and played exclusively in Liverpool, but his contract expires in June next year, which as the weeks go by will increasingly play into Inter's hands.

“They are waiting at every turn and ready to make the decisive move.”

Patience is the name of the game for the Italian side. But having missed out on Marco Palestra to Chelsea there is no doubt that Cristian Chivu’s side are playing somewhat of a risky game.

It may end up being a foolish gambit - all over a relatively trivial difference in valuations.

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