Jones, 25, has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield after talks over an extension were shelved earlier this season. Liverpool turned down an approach from Inter in the January window when squad depth prevented them from allowing an exit, but the club have since signalled they are open to a sale this summer rather than allowing Jones to enter the final year of his deal without resolution.
Tuttomercatoweb reported that Inter's sporting director Piero Ausilio has been in direct contact with his Liverpool counterpart Richard Hughes, with the Serie A champions identifying Jones as a midfield target for incoming head coach Cristian Chivu. Inter's preference is for a deal structured around a loan with a fixed purchase option in the region of £34.5 million — a format Liverpool are less enthusiastic about given the precedent it sets.
Jones has privately expressed openness to the move. He was attracted to Inter's consistent involvement in European football and the prospect of a prominent role in a club at the top of Italian and continental competition. His agent has been in contact with Inter's representatives since January.
The problem is financial. Liverpool's position is that Jones is worth £35 million outright, a significant valuation for a player heading into his final contract year but one the club believe is justified given his profile — a homegrown player with Premier League pedigree and 33 appearances this season, plus consistent Champions League involvement.
Jones has been one of the more divisive figures in Slot's squad this season, capable of impressive performances but unable to nail down a starting role in a central midfield now dominated by Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. He was moved to right-back on multiple occasions during injury periods — an indication that his versatility, while valued, is also a barrier to consistent use in his preferred position.
Inter's current first priority in midfield is Roma's Manu Koné — available for around £35 million due to Roma's need to raise funds before 30 June — with Jones listed as the secondary option should the Koné deal not materialise. Whether that hierarchy changes before the window opens will determine how quickly talks with Liverpool progress.