Liverpool have got several midfielders who are uncertain of their immediate futures.
Fringe players like Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic could be set for the exit before the transfer window closes.
Elliott hasn’t grasped his chance during preseason following his return from an unsuccessful loan at Aston Villa. The 23-year-old has less than a year on his contract and it would be understandable if Richard Hughes listened to offers.
Bajcetic meanwhile looks destined to return to Spain following an injury-ravaged spell on Merseyside. Getafe are the latest team in the frame for the 21-year-old - who like Elliott is out of contract in 2027.
And perhaps the biggest issue surrounds Curtis Jones.
Curtis Jones drops out of Iraola's pecking order
The 25-year-old hasn’t been spotted since a nightmare 45-minute outing versus Leeds United on the United States preseason tour.
The official word is that the England international midfielder has been dealing with a hip injury. According to a report in the Liverpool Echo however it would appear that Andoni Iraola has ALREADY seen enough and would like six-cap Jones gone.
The 2024/25 Premier League champions were reckoned to be holding out for £35m in order to sell the homegrown playmaker. But right now there is a sense that the Reds will compromise on the fee - opening the door to a cutprice move to Inter Milan in Serie A.
Liverpool will settle for £30m Jones deal
“Curtis Jones is also tipped to exit Anfield with Liverpool lowering his valuation to get the deal done,” the report reads.
“It is understood that the Englishman has fallen out of favour under Iraola and is now available for £30m.
“Jones has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan throughout the current window.”
With only one year left on his deal Inter were reported to be holding on as long as possible in order to put pressure on Liverpool.
And now it looks as though that tactic has paid off - with Cristian Chivu set to land his preferred midfield option for a bargain price.
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Inter lining up sales to fund Curtis Jones deal
“His contract expires next summer and the Reds will be keen to avoid losing yet another player on a free transfer,” the report continues.
“Inter were keen, but reports in Italy suggested that the asking price had proved a sticking point.
“Now, Liverpool have reduced it from £34m to £30m, potentially tempting the Serie A side to dip into the pool of English talent again.”
Inter have got rid of Davide Frattesi to Lazio - albeit for only a €5m loan fee plus an option of €10m. That development still leaves the Scudetto holders in need of sales - with a €25m deal for Luis Henrique to join Roma now set to unlock their latest bid for Jones.