Liverpool have got some contract uncertainty around some of their midfield stars.
Curtis Jones is out of contract in 2027 and remains a target for Inter Milan.
Stefan Bajcetic meanwhile is also out of contract next year and is desperately short of first-team football. A loan is impossible owing to his short contract duration meaning Richard Hughes could look to cash in.
Harvey Elliott is another among the crop of talents whose deals expire in 2027. He is unsure of his future but if the 2024/25 Premier League champions get the right offer then he too could be off.
The biggest danger of course lies with Jones.
The 25-year-old is a two-time Premier League title winner - and has entered the final 12 months of his deal. He is valued inside the corridors of power at around £35m - although that could come down as we tick towards the end of the transfer window.
Inter are biding their time over Jones - fully in the knowledge that the pressure may grow so high on Hughes that he ends up compromising on the fee.
Andoni Iraola is now reported to be seeking a quick resolution to the Jones scenario in order to move forward with preparations for the new season.
Initially there was hope that Jones might even be convinced to stay after talks with the new head coach.
After a stint on the sidelines under Arne Slot there was a real chance that the six-cap England international could be used as a starter in his preferred midfield berth.
But Corriere dello Sport is now reporting that Jones has turned down the chance to stay at Anfield in order to sign a new contract.
Instead his mind is made up to LEAVE his hometown club this summer for the San Siro-based outfit.
“Nottingham Forest tried to court him, but he didn't betray his promise,” the report reads.
“And he didn't change his mind even when Iraola, Liverpool's new manager, expressed his faith in him, effectively inviting him to renew his contract.
"He has only Inter in mind.”
Inter first tried for Jones back in January with Liverpool declining to do a deal for the playmaker. Now however it seems as though the pressure is growing - with little chance of the No17 staying and signing a new deal.
