Andoni Iraola wants Curtis Jones to stay at Liverpool this season and beyond, emphasising the importance retaining his local roots.
Jones has one year left on his contract and is currently being pursued by Inter Milan, with offers of £17.3 million and £21.7 million already turned down by Liverpool.
Reports on Tuesday stated that the Italian side are due to submit an improved third bid in the coming days, but Iraola is eager to keep the midfielder at Anfield.
Speaking to reporters after his live press conference, including the Liverpool Echo, the Spaniard urged Jones to stay at his boyhood club.
“I rate Curtis very highly,” Iraola said. “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.”
The awareness from Iraola to maintain local roots within the team is particularly encouraging, but it is no surprise considering his experience in football.
The 44-year-old played the majority of his career games at Athletic Club, renowned for their Basque-only policy. It means he understands the irreplaceable value of local talent in the first team.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Friday, March 6, 2026: Liverpool's Curtis Jones celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Molineux. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Liverpool valuing local connection, hearing the new head coach fight to retain the Scouse identity is a positive sign not only for Jones but for the academy.
“I will have the chance to speak with him today,” Iraola added, though Jones will remain eager to discover how involved he could be under the new head coach.
Jones starts pre-season under Iraola this week alongside the senior players not involved at the World Cup this summer, with fitness tests preceding any training.