Liverpool to blame as deadline day transfer collapses with hours to go | Football | Sport

Liverpool have thwarted Nottingham Forest’s attempts to secure Davide Frattesi after preventing Curtis Jones from departing Anfield. The homegrown midfielder attracted attention from Italy, with Inter Milan expressing interest in the 25-year-old. Jones’ potential switch to the San Siro was crucial in facilitating Frattesi’s proposed Premier League move to Sean Dyche’s Forest. The Italian international was understood to be keen on the transfer, but Inter would only approve his departure if Liverpool sanctioned Jones’ exit.

However, the reigning Premier League champions have halted any progress in negotiations. Jones, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Friday, has under 18 months left on his Anfield deal. Liverpool are determined to tie the homegrown midfielder down to fresh terms although it has been claimed he does not see his future under Arne Slot on Merseyside, despite the fact Jones is a Liverpool fan and has spoken of a dream to captain the team in the future.

Jones made a brief six-minute appearance during Liverpool’s crucial 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Saturday, returning after an illness-induced absence from the 6-0 Champions League thrashing of Qarabag. Despite exchanging friendly words with England team-mate Anthony Gordon post-match, there was no apparent emotional goodbye to the Anfield faithful from Jones.

When quizzed about the potential departure of Jones, Slot responded: “I think there’s always lots of talks about Liverpool and lots of talks about the Liverpool players.

“There was a lot of noise around the club the last week, maybe I should say weeks. I think our fans showed today what noise really means, that’s being loud because they were so helpful today. So that is what what noise here is in Liverpool.”

“I think we are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it. But yeah, 48 hours or something, I don’t know how long to go. So let’s see where the window ends up.”

As such it appears Frattesi will remain in Italy, with Forest’s offer coming into play only after Jones’ exit was blocked. Forest had been working on a loan deal for the Italian, with an option to buy.

The 26-year-old has played a sporadic role under Cristian Chivu this season, as Inter Milan maintain an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A. Frattesi has only started 12 league matches but played for 60 minutes in their 2-0 victory against Cremonese.

Inter president Beppe Marotta commented: “As we have always said, we don’t want to hold back any player who wants to go elsewhere.

“Frattesi has never expressed the desire to leave, of course everyone wants more playing time, but he will have the chance during the season to show what he can do.”