Bournemouth has reached a verbal agreement to sign Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, a move that could indirectly benefit Liverpool. The Reds view him as a direct replacement for Milos Kerkez and are pressing on with their own transfer negotiations with the Cherries.
While Liverpool have been able to bolster their squad following an impressive season, Bournemouth's stellar performance in 2024/25 has put some of their players at the top of rivals' transfer wish lists, including Kerkez. Talks over the defender's move to Liverpool are progressing well.
After Le Parisien's report, Sky Sports has now backed it up to state that Bournemouth, looking out for their own interests, have verbally agreed to sign Truffert, 24, from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a total package of £14.3 million ($19.4 million). Crucially, this deal will not be finalized until Kerkez's move to Liverpool is confirmed.
This puts Bournemouth in a position where they are ready to accept a suitable offer for their current 21 year old star, which can be seen as a positive for Liverpool, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Throughout the process, Kerkez has reportedly been valued at £45m. Sporting director Richard Hughes has been leading the negotiations to secure the best possible deal for Liverpool, leveraging his good relationship with both his former club and the player he signed from AZ Alkmaar two years ago.
Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has recently become a shock target for Atletico Madrid as he approaches the final year of his Anfield contract, prompting speculation about his future.
Liverpool are gearing up for an offer from the Spanish outfit and considering whether Robertson would be open to a switch to La Liga.
AFC Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez is Liverpool's next target after Florian Wirtz (Image: Getty Images)
Speaking on his situation, Robertson acknowledged the conversations with the club: "We have discussed it, of course we have. You know the club have been... we've had good discussions with me and the club but what the future holds I am not sure."
Robertson also emphasised his immediate plans: "You know all I know is tomorrow I fly off on holiday and it is well needed. I need a rest after a long season and then I look forward to pre-season, that's all my focus is, I can't look too far ahead. I never have done that so I am not going to start doing that now," he said last Thursday.
Regarding the possible acquisition of Kerkez as a potential successor, Robertson observed the nature of competition at a high-level club: "I think at any big club you always have to keep moving, the club always moves forward and I think you've also seen other big clubs like Manchester City have been very active early doors in the window."
He further commented on Liverpool's transfer policy: "The club have identified certain positions where they want to get new blood in, it looks like players we're linked to are all younger players and they are all exciting players as well."
Robertson expressed his anticipation of continued competition within Liverpool: "So when you play for a big club like Liverpool you expect challenges, you expect competition and I have always faced that, everyone here has faced that in their own positions and I expect nothing less."