All the latest Liverpool news and transfer gossip as Arne Slot lays the foundations for a busy summer
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Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth
Milos Kerkez for Bournemouth(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images.)
Milos Kerkez continues to be heavily linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old defender emerged as a potential target for the Reds earlier this season following his impressive performances for Bournemouth.
Kerkez, who sees his contract at the Vitality Stadium expire in June 2028, has featured 28 times in the Premier League this term, scoring two goals and providing five assists. Playing a key role in Andoni Iraola's side, the Hungary international has given the Cherries a shot at European football.
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His efforts on the south coast haven't gone under the radar, with numerous top clubs, including Liverpool, said to be interested in securing his signature. So, the ECHO has rounded up everything you need to know about Kerkez and a potential move to Anfield.
Slot 'green lights' Liverpool bid
According to Fabrizio Romano in a column for GiveMeSport, Liverpool want to sign a left-back in the summer, and Kerkez is one of three names, who have been approved by Arne Slot, on the club's shortlist. The report claims the Reds are expected to make contact with Bournemouth over a potential deal in the coming months.
It's said that the Cherries defender is attracted by the prospect of playing in the Champions League. Romano adds that Liverpool may have to fork out as much as €45m (£37.8m) for Kerkez, but Bournemouth are expected to reassess the Hungarian at the end of the season.
The Premier League leaders could face tough competition for his signature. Romano claims Manchester United considered signing Kerkez in the January transfer window before going for Patrick Dorgu, meanwhile, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid have both been monitoring his progress.
Kerkez stance on Liverpool swoop
During the January transfer window, Kerkez ruled out a move to Anfield. While streaming on YouTube, a Reds supporter commented, 'come to Liverpool', while Bournemouth fans urged him to stay at the club.
"Yes, yes," said Kerkez, responding to the pleas. "I will not go to Liverpool. For everybody listening, I will not go to Liverpool."
Iraola provides Kerkez update
In the final days of the January transfer window, Andoni Iraola ruled out any departures from the Vitality Stadium for Kerkez. The Bournemouth boss said: "I don't think anyone is gonna leave. But, in the market you never know what is going to happen.
"I don't think the plan is not [to sell any more]. The ones who are with us continue until the end of the season. Let's wait and see what happens in three days. You don't know, maybe we have an offer of crazy money for someone. We are seeing what is happening in the last days with other teams, but that is not the plan, no."
Szoboszlai heaps praise on Kerkez
In an interview with Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport, Dominik Szoboszlai was quizzed on Kerkez's performances this season. The Liverpool midfielder said: "We're doing really well, off the field too, so I'm trying to pay attention to him, because he needs a little attention, poor guy..."
With a smile on his face, Szoboszlai added: "He's a very bad opponent. I told him that he can slip up against anyone, but not me, because we both need each other in the national team."