Liverpool stand firm on Jones valuation
Liverpool have rejected a verbal offer of €25m (£21.7m) from Inter Milan for midfielder Curtis Jones, according to The Times. The bid, described as a second attempt by the Serie A side, fell considerably short of Liverpool's valuation of the 25-year-old, who remains a key part of Arne Slot's plans at Anfield.
“Inter's offer was nowhere near what Liverpool would consider for a homegrown talent who has established himself in the first team,” a source told The Times.
Jones, a product of Liverpool's academy, made 32 Premier League appearances last season and has been a regular under Slot. Despite Inter's persistence, the Reds are under no financial pressure to sell and view Jones as an integral squad member.
Ipswich close in on O'Neil
Elsewhere, Ipswich Town are working to finalise the appointment of Strasbourg's Gary O'Neil as their new head coach, reports The Athletic. O'Neil, who guided Strasbourg to a mid-table finish in Ligue 1, is seen as the ideal candidate to lead Ipswich back to the Premier League after their relegation. Negotiations are at an advanced stage, with an announcement expected later this week.
World Cup whispers
From the World Cup, there are concerns over Declan Rice after the Daily Mail revealed the England midfielder is managing a long-standing hamstring issue. Rice played the full 90 minutes in England's 2-0 win over Japan but will be carefully monitored ahead of the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, the same newspaper reports that American fans have embraced England like never before, with police and FIFA officials stunned by the pro-Three Lions support in Dallas. An insider said: “It felt like a home game for England.”
In Canada's camp, vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio sat out training on Sunday, three days after their 6-0 thrashing of Qatar, as per The Athletic. The midfielder is undergoing treatment but is expected to be fit for their final group match.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool have rejected a second bid from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, valuing him far above £21.7m.
- Ipswich Town are set to appoint Gary O'Neil from Strasbourg as their new manager.
- Declan Rice is nursing a hamstring problem but continues to play for England at the World Cup.
- Unexpected U. S. support for England has surprised officials, turning Dallas into a Three Lions stronghold.
Quick Facts
Inter's bid: €25m (£21.7m)
Jones' age: 25
Liverpool's stance: Bid falls considerably short of valuation
Jones' 2025/26 PL apps: 32
Ipswich target: Gary O'Neil (Strasbourg)
Rice's issue: Long-standing hamstring