Liverpool star accused of 'white lie' as he tries to force through summer transfer

The hip injury that has been cited as the reason behind Curtis Jones' absence from Liverpool's pre-season matches is a 'white lie' designed to disguise the truth, according to reports in the Italian media.

Inter Milan have been keen to sign Jones all summer and it seems they are finally closing in on an agreement. Liverpool rejected a second bid from Inter worth £21.7million way back in June, but the transfer speculation has not subsided.

The Reds have grown frustrated by Inter's approach to negotiations and have reportedly reduced their asking price in an effort to bring things to a conclusion. It means they are ready to shake hands for a lower fee than their original asking price of €40m (£34m).

With all the speculation swirling, Jones has been absent from the last three pre-season matches, against Leeds, Monaco and Como. Asked why, after the 3-2 defeat by Monaco on August 9, manager Andoni Iraola put it down to a minor hip complaint.

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“Curtis, he has trained every day but yesterday finished with issues in the hip,” Iraola said. “It doesn’t look anything big but it didn’t make any sense to risk and those are the ones, more or less, closer to a return.”

But having sat out of the 2-0 win over Como on Sunday - which came after Jones returned to training on Wednesday - reports in Italy have shed light on the situation. Sport Mediaset say the medical explanation is a 'white lie'. Instead, he is missing games in an effort to force through the transfer and avoid an injury which could jeopardise things.

Corriere dello Sport report that the Liverpool academy graduate has his heart set on the move to Italy, which will see him link up with John Stones and Djed Spence. Inter have loaned out Davide Frattesi to Lazio, freeing up space, and are ready to make an official bid worth €30m (£25.65m) plus add-ons.

That is still some way below Liverpool's valuation, but time is running out in the transfer window and Jones has less than a year remaining on his contract. Their bargaining power is limited, with sales needed, having lost Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah for nothing this summer.

Speaking earlier in the summer, Iraola hinted he wanted to keep Jones, but the situation has changed. “I rate Curtis very highly,” he said. “For me he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing.

“It’s very important that he’s scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”

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