​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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere 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.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 IMAGOAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere 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.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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I hope we can keep him, not only for this year, more time.”Photo: IMAGOThose 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.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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat context made a summer exit feel increasingly likely, particularly after repo