Liverpool are now speaking directly with Bournemouth as they look to secure the signature of Milos Kerkez, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Writing on his X account, Romano confirmed that “club to club talks are underway” after receiving the approval of the player.
Kerkez has been backed as the club’s first-choice left-back target for several months, and it looks as if a deal to sign the Hungarian international is advancing quickly.
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An agreement over a transfer fee has yet to be reached and negotiations could still take some time, with the Cherries said to be holding out for a fee in the region of £45m.
Liverpool don’t have any competition for the fullback
Manchester City had been tipped as the Reds’ main rivals for Kerkez, but Pep Guardiola’s side are now expected to target Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri if they do decide to bring in a new left-back.
They are also in negotiations to buy AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, and they have other positions to strengthen, with a goalkeeper, right-back and a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne all being required. It means there is very little prospect of them getting involved in the race for Kerkez. Of course, other teams could still enter the battle, but Arne Slot’s side are very much the favourites to snap him up at this stage.
Kerkez has been praised by Carragher
Speaking at the end of last year ahead of the January transfer window, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher encouraged his former team to make an offer for the 21-year-old midway through the season:
“[Andy] Robertson is having a tough time and it’s a very unforgiving position. He needs help. Liverpool haven’t got any back-up and it’s something they need to address in January. Kerkez has been a revelation at Bournemouth.”
The Reds didn’t take his advice but it does appear as if they are ready to make their move for Kerkez now.
Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here