Liverpool have rejected another approach from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, with the Serie A champions seeing their latest proposal dismissed immediately.
“I rate Curtis very highly,” the head coach told reporters on Monday. “For me he is a great, great player, and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing.
“It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. From the outside, at least, he looks like a player with good character, and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”
However, with the 25-year-old entering the final 12 months of his contract, any long-term future will depend on fresh negotiations.
While contract talks have yet to begin, Liverpool continue to attract interest from clubs in England and abroad, with Inter leading the race for the academy graduate.
According to talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, Inter’s latest informal offer of €32million (£27.3m) was “rejected out of hand.”
Liverpool value Jones at more than €40million (£34.2m) and are content for him to stay, with the club also willing to discuss a contract extension.
The midfielder’s own intentions are expected to become clearer after discussions with Iraola and Liverpool’s hierarchy during pre-season.
Curtis Jones was among the first players to report back to the AXA Training Centre this week and is expected to travel with the squad for next week’s pre-season tour of the United States.
Inter have now made three offers for their priority midfield target. Liverpool previously dismissed bids worth £17.3million and £21.7million as well below their valuation and even questioned whether the Italian club were serious buyers.
Their latest proposal narrows the gap, but the clubs remain around €8 million (£6.8m) apart.
Liverpool have sold only two players so far this summer, with academy graduates Luca Stephenson joining Bolton Wanderers for £700,000 and Carter Pinnington signing for West Bromwich Albion in a structured deal.
Jones’ departure would leave the Reds without a local-born player in the senior squad, something Iraola is understood to value highly.
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