Andoni Iraola has reportedly approved an immediate Liverpool move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton following Curtis Jones’ departure.
Jones, a Liverpool academy graduate, has been strongly linked with a move to Inter Milan after his recent pre-season clash with Dominik Szoboszlai. Sky Sports reports that Inter have reached an agreement worth £30 million for the 25-year-old, with Ben Jacobs claiming the deal also includes a 10% sell-on clause.
Jones is expected to travel to Milan for his medical before completing his move, which would make him the third Englishman to join Inter this summer after John Stones and Djed Spence.
His departure leaves Liverpool needing another midfielder, and reports suggest Iraola has given the green light for the club to pursue Wharton. The Reds have so far added Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Muñoz and Ronald Araújo, but their midfield options remain limited.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to remain key figures, with youngster Trey Nyoni providing additional depth. However, Wharton is reportedly viewed as an ideal addition because of his ability to control possession and build play from deep.
Palace are believed to value the England international at around £78 million and are in no rush to sell, with Wharton still having three years left on his contract. The Eagles have developed a reputation for demanding huge fees for their prized assets, with recent sales and valuations strengthening their negotiating position.
Liverpool begin their Premier League campaign away to Newcastle on Sunday and could have a busy final stretch before the transfer window closes.
The Reds are unlikely to pursue Ibrahim Mbaye further, but their interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola reportedly remains alive.
With several important players already leaving, Liverpool supporters have become increasingly concerned about the lack of new arrivals. Former Reds defender Phil Thompson has also called for significant reinforcements, suggesting the club may need four or five more players across different positions.
Jones now brings his 16-year association with Liverpool to an end. Having joined the academy at just nine years old, he went on to make 228 first-team appearances and won two Premier League titles.
