Curtis Jones finds himself at the centre of a transfer puzzle that could determine whether Liverpool's academy product stays or goes this summer.

Inter Milan have maintained their interest in the 25-year-old midfielder since January, when they first enquired about his availability. Back then, the reigning Italian champions had their own domino lined up. Had Jones moved to the San Siro, it would have freed up their midfielder David Frattesi to join Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

That January switch never materialised, but the pieces are moving again. According to reports in Italy, Frattesi will be allowed to leave Inter this summer, with Nottingham Forest reportedly back in the picture. The funds from that sale would then be redirected towards a fresh attempt to land Jones.

The numbers tell the story of a valuation gap that still needs bridging. Inter had a €20m offer knocked back by Liverpool, who value their academy graduate significantly higher at €30m according to Italian sources. With Jones entering the final year of his contract, that's a considerable difference to navigate.

Should Frattesi's departure provide the necessary funds, Inter are reportedly prepared to up their offer to €25m, sweetening the deal with a 'good' resale percentage clause that Liverpool are said to be insisting upon. It's the kind of detail that suggests genuine negotiations rather than speculative interest.

The timing adds another layer of complexity. Inter defender Denzel Dumfries, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool under Arne Slot, is apparently set for Real Madrid instead. His transfer might not complete until after the World Cup, but that won't affect Frattesi's situation given Italy's failure to qualify for the tournament.

For Jones, this represents a crossroads moment. The England international, who wasn't selected for Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad, has previously spoken about his dream of captaining his boyhood club one day. He joined Liverpool when he was just nine years old, coming through every level of the academy system.

Yet with no new contract agreed and his current deal running down, pragmatism might override sentiment. Jones has been a consistent performer across 228 appearances for the Reds, contributing 22 goals along the way. Last season saw him deployed in an unfamiliar right-back role by Arne Slot, filling the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure and Conor Bradley's long-term injury.

That positional flexibility demonstrates his value to Liverpool, but also highlights how the squad has evolved around him. The question now is whether both parties see a long-term future together or if this summer represents the natural end point of a remarkable academy success story.

The transfer domino effect could soon provide the answer, with Inter's improved offer potentially forcing Liverpool's hand on a player who embodies everything the club's youth system aspires to produce.