Liverpool look set to miss the chance to strengthen their defence with a seasoned centre-back on a free transfer this summer.<\/p>\n
Reports from TEAMtalk earlier this week claimed that John Stones was one of several central defenders being seriously assessed by the Reds, with the former Manchester City star viewed as an appealing option after becoming a free agent.<\/p>\n
Journalist Dominic King of The Telegraph had even urged Liverpool to move for the 32-year-old, describing him as a \u201cclass act\u201d who would be an ideal fit for Andoni Iraola\u2019s squad.<\/p>\n
However, it now appears the England international is heading elsewhere\u2014and not to another Premier League club.<\/p>\n
Stones closes in on Inter Milan move<\/p>\n
According to Sky Sports Italy, Stones has reached a verbal agreement to join Inter Milan on a free transfer. His representatives are now expected to finalize a two-year contract with the Serie A champions.<\/p>\n
Inter reportedly moved quickly after learning of interest from clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs, citing Fabrizio Romano, added on X that the move to San Siro is expected to be completed this week.<\/p>\n
Liverpool may regret missing out<\/p>\n
Although Liverpool were never considered frontrunners for Stones, the situation could still be viewed as a missed opportunity.<\/p>\n
The Reds\u2019 need for another centre-back became even more obvious after Joe Gomez picked up an injury during the victory over Sunderland, leaving Iraola short of experienced defensive options due to injuries and players still away following the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Virgil van Dijk\u2019s return to training is a welcome boost, while Gomez and Jeremy Jacquet are only dealing with minor setbacks. Even so, with Giovanni Leoni also expected back, Liverpool could still benefit from adding another reliable central defender before the transfer window closes.<\/p>\n
Despite being 32 and previously earning around \u00a3250,000 per week at Manchester City, Stones would have brought leadership, top-level experience, and quality to the squad without a transfer fee.<\/p>\n
TEAMtalk also reported that the defender was open to discussing a move to Anfield, making Liverpool\u2019s failure to pursue the opportunity even more frustrating.<\/p>\n
With Stones seemingly on his way to Inter, Liverpool and FSG must now turn their attention to other centre-back targets as reinforcing the back line becomes an increasingly urgent priority before the transfer window shuts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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