Iraola's Call: Jones Exit Opens Door for £80m Scott Arrival at Liverpool

The writing appears to be on the wall for Curtis Jones at Anfield. New Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has made his position clear: the academy graduate's days in a red shirt are numbered, with the Spaniard viewing him as surplus to requirements.

Jones has been a fixture at the club since emerging from the youth ranks at the tail end of 2019/20, racking up 228 appearances and contributing 22 goals and 25 assists. Yet at 25, he's found opportunities increasingly scarce, with frustration mounting over his peripheral role under Arne Slot.

Inter Milan have been circling since January, when Slot blocked the move citing a shortage of outfield cover. The Italian outfit have renewed their interest this summer, though a significant valuation gap remains. Fabrizio Romano reported that Inter are opening negotiations around €20m (£17.3m), while Liverpool are holding firm at over €30m (£25.9m), potentially with sell-on clauses and performance bonuses attached. Jones himself is keen on the switch, apparently having quizzed Federico Chiesa about life in Serie A.

Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed the club's continued interest, stating: "Curtis Jones, we are paying attention to him. We didn't hide. We understand what the developments will be."

Iraola's arrival, however, hasn't changed Jones's prospects. Instead, the 43-year-old has identified his own solution: Bournemouth's Alex Scott, described as a virtual carbon copy of Jones. The Cherries are demanding £80m for their academy product, though Liverpool reckon £60m is nearer the mark. Scott's arrival would effectively relegate Jones further down the pecking order and accelerate his exit.

The Reds are open to offers around £35m for Jones, banking on offloading him to free up funds for Iraola's transfer ambitions.

Elsewhere, Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister could join the summer exodus. Real Madrid's interest has not gone unnoticed, and with Liverpool needing to balance the books, the World Cup winner represents valuable currency. Correspondent Pete O'Rourke noted that while the club would "reluctantly" consider his sale, Mac Allister's status and potential World Cup form could attract rival bidders. "Liverpool right now are looking to strengthen rather than weaken the squad," O'Rourke explained, "but if they are needing to sell players, Mac Allister could be one of those that could be sacrificed."