Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has agreed to join Inter Milan after the Italian champions submitted a formal bid for the 25-year-old.
The England international is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield next month.
With renewal talks having stalled, the academy graduate has committed his future to the Serie A giants.
Inter recently returned with an offer worth approximately £21m after seeing a previous approach rejected in January.
Liverpool hold out for higher valuation
The Merseyside club are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £25m for the central midfielder.
Discussions remain ongoing between the two clubs, with an agreement expected before the start of the new campaign.
The former youth prospect has rejected rival interest from Premier League side Aston Villa in favour of a fresh challenge abroad.
His impending departure adds to a summer of significant transition under new manager Andoni Iraola.
Exodus continues at Anfield
The Reds are eager to avoid losing another senior player on a free transfer next year.
Key figures including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have all departed at the end of their deals over the last 12 months.
Uncertainty also surrounds the futures of several other squad members, including goalkeeper Alisson, forward Cody Gakpo and winger Federico Chiesa.
Iraola is now prioritising midfield reinforcements to compensate for the expected loss of the dynamic playmaker.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has emerged as a primary target to rebuild the centre of the pitch.
Mohamed Salah will not reverse his decision to leave Liverpool this summer despite the dismissal of head coach Arne Slot, according to former team-mate Dejan Lovren.
The Egyptian international announced his departure at the tail end of last season after nine highly successful years on Merseyside.
Liverpool are now undergoing a period of major transition under new Basque manager Andoni Iraola.
Many supporters had hoped the prolific forward might reconsider his future following Slot’s exit.
‘He would have stayed 100 per cent’
The veteran goalscorer was known to have endured a complicated relationship with his former Dutch manager.
However, former Reds defender Lovren has firmly dismissed the possibility of a dramatic U-turn.
Speaking to WinWin, the Croatian stated that the formalities of the attacker’s farewell make a return impossible.
“No, it’s over,” Lovren said.
‘Timing was bad’ for Anfield future
“Mo has a big personality too. I don’t know, if they hadn’t announced all of that, all the details of leaving, saying thank you and goodbye, maybe yes, but now it’s difficult.”
Lovren insists the iconic winger would have committed his future to the club had he known a managerial change was imminent.
“Yes, he would have stayed 100 per cent. Believe me, he would have stayed 100 per cent, I know that. But the timing was bad,” he added.
“To say you don’t need Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, when he can still perform at the highest level for another two or three years, then we have a problem understanding football.”
Nunez eyeing Merseyside comeback
Meanwhile, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly seeking a return to Anfield.
The Uruguayan forward joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for £46.3m in the summer of 2025, but his stint in the Middle East has proven challenging.
The South American attacker was surprisingly dropped from the squad in February following the arrival of Karim Benzema.
According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Nunez is now eager to secure a route back to the Premier League.
However, Liverpool could face potential competition for his signature from domestic rivals Chelsea.
The Blues, now managed by former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, are also showing strong interest in the unsettled striker.
Crystal Palace have opened formal talks with Lens manager Pierre Sage to replace Oliver Glasner ahead of the new Premier League season.
The south London club have made contact with their French counterparts to discuss a compensation package to release the 47-year-old from his contract.
The Eagles’ approach follows a highly successful debut campaign for the French tactician in his homeland.
Taking charge in June last year, he guided the Ligue 1 side to an impressive second-place finish in the top flight.
Historic cup success in France
His crowning achievement came in the Coupe de France, where his team defeated Nice to secure the prestigious trophy for the first time in their 120-year history.
Palace turned their attention to the overachieving coach after missing out on primary target Andoni Iraola.
The Selhurst Park hierarchy had submitted a proposal to the Spanish tactician, but he subsequently agreed to join Liverpool on a two-year deal instead.
Alternative candidates assessed
With Glasner having departed the Premier League outfit at the conclusion of last season, the board have thoroughly evaluated their options.
Frank Lampard, Kieran McKenna and Sean Dyche were all understood to be on the initial shortlist of alternatives.
However, securing the highly-rated head coach from Lens has now become the immediate priority for the English side.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is in advanced negotiations to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, potentially ending his short tenure at Anfield.
The 46-year-old only arrived on Merseyside from Bournemouth earlier this year to spearhead the club’s new recruitment era.
However, reports suggest the executive could depart once his duties for the current transfer window are concluded.
Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims the former Scotland international is currently discussing a lucrative switch to the Middle East.
Instability behind the scenes
A potential departure would create another significant headache for owners Fenway Sports Group.
The Reds have endured a chaotic turnover of senior recruitment staff in recent seasons.
Following the initial exit of Michael Edwards in 2022, Julian Ward and Jorg Schmadtke both served brief stints in the crucial role.
Such persistent executive instability threatens to disrupt the long-term vision implemented following Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
Looming contract dilemmas
Off-field consistency is desperately needed as the Premier League giants navigate several critical player negotiations.
Key figures Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are all approaching the final stages of their current deals.
Resolving these high-profile contract situations requires a settled hierarchy to execute major financial decisions.
Finding a swift replacement for their current transfer chief will become an immediate priority if the Saudi switch is finalised.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson has received an emotional letter from the widow of his former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota ahead of the World Cup.
The left-back, who recently departed Anfield for Tottenham, formed a close bond with the late Portuguese forward during their time together on Merseyside.
Jota tragically passed away last summer, just 11 days after the Scottish defender attended his wedding to Rute Cardoso.
As Steve Clarke’s side prepare to open their World Cup campaign against Haiti, Cardoso reached out through Fifa’s ‘Letters That Unite’ series.
Carrying a shared dream
The poignant note highlighted the profound friendship between the two players and their shared ambition of competing at international football’s premier tournament.
Jota would have been expected to represent Portugal at the event, a dream his widow believes his former Anfield colleague is now carrying for both of them.
“Andy, I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing gratitude and above all pride,” Cardoso wrote.
“By achieving that moment, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too.”
She added that her late husband would be incredibly proud of the new Spurs recruit for turning the pain of loss into strength.
‘That letter will stay with me’
The Scotland skipper was visibly moved to tears on the Hampden Park pitch when his nation secured qualification against Denmark in November.
Responding to the tribute, Robertson admitted that the previous World Cup tournament was the catalyst that brought him and his departed friend so close.
“It’s amazing of Rute to take the time, for what she’s going through, to write me a letter,” he said.
“Thankfully, I got to know her and the amazing times they had, and I saw how heartbroken we all were when Jots left us.”
He concluded by promising that her beautiful words would stay with him for a very long time as he leads his team out on the global stage.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in advanced discussions to become the new technical director of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad.
The 58-year-old currently serves as Head of Global Football for the Red Bull sporting network.
However, recent reports suggest the German could be tempted by a swift departure to the Middle East.
Agent denials and renewed talks
Klopp’s representative, Marc Kosicke, recently attempted to shut down the mounting speculation.
A move to the Saudi club is out of the question.
Despite this firm public denial last week, fresh negotiations have reportedly taken place between the two parties over the last 24 hours.
Al-Ittihad are not looking for a head coach, but rather an executive to oversee their lucrative transfer strategy.
The Saudi Pro League’s extended transfer window remains open until 12 October.
This timeline would allow the two-time Bundesliga winner to seamlessly make the switch and begin recruitment work immediately.
Moving on from Anfield
The Champions League-winning coach left Merseyside in the summer of 2024, citing exhaustion after a demanding nine-year tenure.
He subsequently signed a contract with Red Bull until 2029, overseeing operations for clubs including RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg.
Before emerging as a target for the Saudi giants, the former Borussia Dortmund boss was heavily linked with the Real Madrid job.
There had also been brief speculation regarding a sensational return to Liverpool following the departure of Arne Slot, though the Reds ultimately appointed Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool are monitoring Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler this summer as new manager Andoni Iraola looks to rebuild his depleted squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Chelsea ready to test Madrid resolve
The Anfield club face stiff competition for the Turkish international.
Chelsea are reportedly the most advanced in the race for the teenager and are considering a formal £100m offer.
Real Madrid currently have no intention of allowing the attacking midfielder to leave the Bernabeu on a permanent or temporary basis.
Despite this stance, the player’s representatives remain open to preliminary talks with English sides as new Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho evaluates his squad.
Iraola tasked with Anfield rebuild
The Reds are in desperate need of reinforcements following a summer of high-profile departures.
Stalwarts Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate have already left Merseyside.
Key first-team figures including Alisson Becker and Cody Gakpo are also linked with imminent exits.
Injury woes and attacking struggles
Iraola is keen to add creativity to an attacking line that lacked consistency during the previous campaign.
Recent acquisitions Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz endured difficult debut seasons in England.
Furthermore, French forward Hugo Ekitike is sidelined with a long-term injury and is not expected to return until 2027.
Generational talent
The former Fenerbahce prodigy enjoyed a stellar season in Spain.
He contributed six goals and 13 assists across all competitions for the La Liga giants.
Adding the playmaker to the squad would be a major statement of intent as the club plots a return to title contention.
The hierarchy are also reportedly targeting Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
Aston Villa have seen an opening bid of up to £47.5m rejected for Martin Baturina as Unai Emery attempts to bolster his squad ahead of next season.
The Serie A side swiftly turned down the initial offer, holding out for a valuation closer to £69.1m for their highly rated forward.
Emery is keen to add elite attacking depth to his ranks following a stellar domestic campaign at Villa Park.
However, securing the 23-year-old’s signature will not be straightforward for the Premier League outfit.
Fierce competition for Croatian star
The West Midlands club are not the only suitors monitoring the talented attacker’s current situation in Italy.
Bayern Munich and an unnamed English top-flight rival have also entered the race to secure his services.
Negotiations are further complicated by his current employer’s strong financial and sporting bargaining position.
Under the guidance of Cesc Fabregas, the Italian outfit recently secured their own Champions League qualification and are deeply reluctant to weaken their squad.
International duty threatens to inflate price
The sought-after winger caught the eye last season by registering eight goals and four assists in league action.
His rising profile could skyrocket further as he prepares to represent Croatia on the international stage this summer.
A string of impressive performances at a major tournament traditionally triggers a dramatic increase in a player’s market value.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic recently praised the dynamic forward following a strong display in a warm-up friendly against Belgium.
“He was good and very committed,” said Dalic.
“He showed he’s in good form. He finished the season brilliantly in Italy and today he was really very good. He won several balls, created overloads, and was our most dangerous attacking threat.”