Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones anticipates either Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace or Alex Scott of Bournemouth will replace him in the squad should he complete a move to Inter Milan this summer, according to journalist Marco Barzaghi. The potential departure of Jones comes amid a period of significant change at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola recently appointed as head coach and several established players, including Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson, having left on free transfers.
Liverpool have already begun rebuilding, confirming the signing of Victor Munoz from Osasuna for a fee of €40 million (£34.5m). The club also submitted a €100 million (£86m) bid for Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig, though the German club are reportedly resistant to selling. Interest in Jones has come from both Inter Milan and Aston Villa, but the player is reportedly favouring a move to the Italian side.
Barzaghi reports that Inter Milan have made an offer of €20 million (£17m) for Jones, while Liverpool are holding out for €30 million (£26m). The journalist claims Jones believes Wharton or Scott are being lined up as potential replacements, with Iraola familiar with Scott’s development during their time together at Bournemouth. However, Liverpool officials are also known to have a long-standing interest in Wharton, who previously played for Blackburn Rovers.
Aston Villa have also been linked with a move for Scott, with reports suggesting they may beat Liverpool to his signature. Arsenal are also reportedly pursuing Scott with a bid of £60 million. Wharton is expected to command a higher fee, with Palace valuing him between £70-80 million. Inter Milan have reportedly set a deadline for Liverpool to accept their offer for Jones, or they will pursue alternative targets. Meanwhile, Liverpool and Manchester United are both monitoring the situation of Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni. Jones has reportedly rejected a move to Villa in favour of joining Inter Milan.
This potential sale would allow Iraola to reshape the midfield to his liking, while providing Jones with an opportunity to experience football in Serie A.
