Nottingham Forest entered the summer transfer window looking to strengthen their squad after another turbulent Premier League campaign.
Despite finishing 16th, the club lost Elliot Anderson following his record-breaking move to Manchester City.
Thus, midfield reinforcements have become a priority ahead of the new season. The managerial situation has also changed at the City Ground.
Vitor Pereira has departed despite guiding Forest to Premier League safety and a Europa League semi-final. Oliver Glasner will now take charge as the club prepares for another rebuild.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also navigating a new era under Andoni Iraola. The Reds have already seen several senior players leave. Also, question marks have also risen over the future of Curtis Jones.
According to Liverpool Echo, Nottingham Forest identified the Liverpool academy graduate as their preferred replacement for Elliot Anderson.
However, the move has suffered a major setback because Jones is reluctant to join Forest despite their ability to meet Liverpool’s asking price.
Jones has already agreed personal terms with Inter Milan, but the Serie A club remain well below Liverpool’s valuation after submitting verbal offers of around £21.5 million.
Liverpool want between £35 million and £40 million for the midfielder and are unwilling to lower their demands.
Forest have the financial resources to match that valuation, yet Jones is not convinced by a move to the City Ground.
The midfielder prefers not to join another English club and does not view the transfer as the right step for his career.
As a result, the transfer has reached a standstill. Inter Milan remain short of Liverpool’s asking price, while Forest have failed to convince the player over a move.
Jones will now probably report for pre-season under Iraola. If positive discussions take place and he earns an important role in the new manager’s plans, Liverpool are prepared to reopen talks over a new contract despite his current deal entering its final year.
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