Report: Liverpool have rejected another bid for midfielder | OneFootball

Curtis Jones transfer latest as Liverpool stand firm over Inter Milan interest

Liverpool have rejected a fresh approach from Inter Milan for Curtis Jones, with talkSPORT reporting that the Serie A club remain short of the asking price for the midfielder. The latest contact, made through intermediaries, is understood to be worth around £27m, after an earlier £21.6m offer had already been turned away.

There is a clear line from Anfield at present. Liverpool value Jones at £30m and, crucially, appear comfortable holding that position. Sources indicate the first bid was viewed as “derisory” and that the second was “dismissed out of hand”, a reflection of how strongly the club feel about both the player’s worth and their negotiating position this summer.

Inter Milan bid falls short of Liverpool valuation

Jones is believed to be open to leaving Liverpool during this window, while Inter have maintained a long-standing interest after also seeing an attempt rebuffed in January. Yet Liverpool’s stance has hardened rather than softened, even with the 25-year-old entering the final year of his contract.

That is the intriguing part of this situation. Liverpool are prepared to keep Jones if their valuation is not met, and would even accept the possibility of him departing on a free transfer next year rather than sanction a sale below the level they consider fair. For a player in the final 12 months of his deal, that tells you plenty about the club’s thinking.

Photo IMAGO

There is no suggestion of internal concern over Jones’ conduct either. The report states Liverpool have had no issues over the academy graduate’s “attitude or professionalism”, which matters when clubs weigh up whether to compromise on price in the final year of a contract.

Andoni Iraola sends strong Curtis Jones message

Adding further weight to Liverpool’s position are the comments of new head coach Andoni Iraola, who spoke warmly about the midfielder only a day before Inter’s latest move emerged. His words were direct and revealing.

“I rate Curtis very highly,” the Spaniard said. “For me, he is a great player. It’s very important he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality.

“I hope we can keep him, not only for this year, more time.”

Photo: IMAGO

Those comments matter. They suggest Jones is not being treated as a disposable squad option, but as a player with a genuine pathway if he stays and impresses under the new regime. Liverpool’s message to the market is straightforward, pay the valuation or the player remains at Anfield.

Curtis Jones future remains finely balanced

Jones’ reduced role last season helps explain why this story has developed. He made 34 Premier League appearances, but 16 of those came from the bench, with one goal and two assists. In Europe, he started only four Champions League matches. With Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai often ahead of him, his opportunities were limited.

That context made a summer exit feel increasingly likely, particularly after reports of a “tiff” with Arne Slot during a difficult campaign. Yet football changes quickly, especially when a new coach arrives with a different view.

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant captured part of that argument earlier this year on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool. “I just think sometimes you just need continuity to get into a regular rhythm to get your confidence up,” he said. “Sometimes, chopping and changing positions and coming in and out of the team is hard, and he gets judged week in, week out. For some reason, he doesn’t get the same chances that the others get. Mac Allister has been way off it, but Slot is still playing him ahead of Jones. I would like to see him there next season because he can do a job all over the pitch.”

As things stand, Liverpool are holding firm. Inter Milan can return with £30m and test that resolve properly, or the possibility remains that Jones stays, rebuilds his standing and potentially even earns a new contract.

Our View

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like one of the more sensible transfer stances the club could take. Curtis Jones is homegrown, technically gifted and still in an age bracket where his best football should be ahead of him. If Inter Milan truly want him, they should meet the price. Anything below £30m for a player of his quality, versatility and experience in a Liverpool shirt feels light.

There is also something important in Iraola’s comments. Hearing the new head coach say, “I rate Curtis very highly” and “I hope we can keep him, not only for this year, more time” will resonate with fans. Supporters want to see local players valued properly, especially those who understand the club and the expectations that come with it.

Jones may well want a fresh challenge, and if that is the case, Liverpool should only sell on their terms. Letting him go cheaply would send the wrong message. If he stays, there is every chance he thrives under a coach who clearly appreciates his character and profile. In truth, many Liverpool fans would be delighted to see him remain, fight for his place and remind everyone exactly why he has been so highly regarded for so long.

Source: talkSPORT