Liverpool Eye Thuram as Jones Exit Looms, but United Circle Overhead

A summer of significant upheaval continues at Anfield, with Liverpool now casting their net towards Juventus as they prepare to reshape their midfield. The Reds have turned their attention to Khephren Thuram as a potential successor to Curtis Jones, who looks increasingly likely to depart this window.

The scale of change at Merseyside is already substantial. Andoni Iraola has taken the reins following Arne Slot's sacking at the end of May, and the departures continue to mount. Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson have all left on free transfers, whilst senior figures Alisson and Virgil van Dijk are being tipped for moves away. Adding to that list appears to be Jones himself.

The 25-year-old's future at Liverpool looks increasingly uncertain. Inter Milan have emerged as the frontrunners, with reports suggesting Jones has already committed to the Serie A outfit. The Italian club have tabled €25m, though Liverpool remain resolute in their valuation, holding out for €30m despite Jones entering the final year of his contract.

Enter Thuram. According to Italian sources, the Juventus midfielder represents an option for both Liverpool and Manchester United as the Reds look to bolster their ranks. Initial discussions around his signature are expected to commence in the €45-50m bracket—a considerably steeper asking price than what Inter are offering for Jones.

The complication? Manchester United are watching closely. The Red Devils are monitoring Thuram alongside their primary target, Elliot Anderson, and Mateus Fernandes, meaning Liverpool could face a bidding war for the Juventus man.

Federico Chiesa, the former Juve winger who recently switched to Italian football, has already done some selling on behalf of the peninsula. The 26-year-old revealed that Jones approached him seeking the lowdown on life in Italy. "Jones asked me what it's like living in Italy," Chiesa explained. "I told him it's brilliant and the weather's much better than in Liverpool. Curtis is technically outstanding, Inter are right to be considering him."

The prospect of Jones departing has drawn comment from the Anfield faithful's quarters. John Barnes, a Liverpool legend, has acknowledged the pull of sentiment whilst recognising the pragmatism of the situation. Speaking to Betfred, Barnes expressed his emotional attachment to Jones whilst conceding that departure may serve the midfielder's career aspirations.

"Of course I'd want him to stay at Liverpool because I love Curtis," Barnes said. "Curtis has to decide though whether he wants to be a player that plays every single week or stay at a club and be part of a squad. He played more under Arne Slot than he did under Jurgen Klopp and it suited him. However, at 25 years old, he needs to decide whether he wants to play every week. He loves Liverpool, he's a local lad and even if he doesn't play every week, he'd be a great asset to the squad, but for his own career and if he wants to play every week, the best thing for him will be to go."

It's a telling assessment. Jones faces a crossroads between loyalty and regular football, and with Inter seemingly ready to provide the latter, Liverpool's pursuit of Thuram may well be the writing on the wall.