Milos Kerkez is inching closer to his switch to Liverpool as the Reds' bustling summer transfer window rolls on. Liverpool has already secured the services of Jeremie Frimpong and is nearing a deal with his former Bayer Leverkusen colleague, Florian Writz.
Frimpong has been brought in to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid. However, manager Arne Slot is also eager to bolster his left-back options with Kerkez this summer to provide stiffer competition for Andy Robertson.
Despite playing a pivotal role in two Premier League title victories and the 2019 Champions League triumph, Robertson's form has seen a dip. His current understudy is Kostas Tsimikas. However, the Greek international hasn't quite convinced that he's a viable long-term solution. Instead, Liverpool is on the verge of sealing a deal for Kerkez, whose father has confirmed the move is close.
Whether Kerkez is being brought in to challenge Robertson or replace him outright remains to be seen, especially with Atletico Madrid showing increasing interest in the Scotland captain.
Liverpool clearly views Kerkez as a player for the future, with iNews reporting that he'll be offered a five-year contract. The 21-year-old can also anticipate a significant salary increase upon joining the champions.
Kerkez has made no secret of his desire to join Liverpool. Negotiations have been underway for three weeks, with Reds sporting director Richard Hughes spearheading the talks.
Bournemouth has remained resolute on their price tag, and there's a 'growing optimism' that an agreement for Kerkez will be reached soon. Liverpool is poised to shell out $61 million (£45 million) to secure the Hungarian, with the Cherries having already snapped up Adrien Truffert as his replacement.
Leipzig, Germany - October 23: Andy Robertson of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between RB Leipzig and Liverpool FC at Red Bull Arena (Leipzig) on October 23, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Atletico Madrid is keen on Andy Robertson (Image: Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
The question of which shirt number Kerkez will don at Anfield is still up in the air. He currently sports No.3 at Bournemouth, but that's taken by Wataru Endo at Liverpool.
Endo hasn't seen much action under Klopp and might be on his way out this summer. Should he leave or switch to the vacant No. 6, Kerkez could then claim the No. 3 shirt.
No.12 is also currently available but that is what Frimpong wears for Netherlands and could snap up for Liverpool, with Kerkez also having the choice between No. 15 and No. 16, dependent on if Wirtz picks either. The squad numbers between No. 21 (Tsimikas) and No. 26 (Robertson) are also vacant.
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Robertson has openly declared his readiness to take on the competition from Kerkez. Speaking to BBC Scotland earlier this month, he said: "We're not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done. But, until that is done, I've not even given that a second thought.
"I back myself, I've got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward. I've had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team, which I'm incredibly proud of. I'm not getting any younger, I can't change my age.
"But I still believe I've got a lot to give and that's what I focus on. I focus on myself - you can't focus on other people or who you're competing with.
"I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute."