Liverpool's pursuit of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez could be ramped up a notch in the coming weeks. The Cherries' left-back has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield in recent months.
Bournemouth is believed to value Kerkez at around $60 million (£45 million), amid interest from Liverpool. The Reds have added Kerkez to their summer target shortlist, although the Hungary international isn't the only player they're eyeing.
The summer transfer window is now open and Liverpool has already bolstered its full-back options with the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. Kerkez's name continues to crop up as a probable new addition to the Reds' left-back position
However, there's currently no indication of an agreement being reached, despite various reports hinting that a deal for Kerkez is nearing completion. That said, it appears that Bournemouth is already bracing itself for Kerkez's potential exit.
Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has reported that Bournemouth has attempted to sign Rennes defender Adrien Truffert. The report suggests the Cherries have tabled an offer for the left-back as they prepare to fill the gap potentially left by Kerkez's departure.
However, the report states that Rennes have turned down Bournemouth's bid, though the exact fee rejected by the Ligue 1 club hasn't been disclosed.
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This news comes in the wake of last week's report, which suggested that Bournemouth had pinpointed Marseille defender Quentin Merlin as a possible successor to Kerkez.
Tuesday's report implies that two left-backs are now on the Cherries' radar, seemingly indicating that they don't anticipate Kerkez being part of their squad next season.
Liverpool presently has Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas as its left-back choices. It's uncertain what the future might hold for this pair if the Reds were to secure Kerkez's services this summer.
The Reds are also closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz, with talks continuing with Bayer Leverkusen. There have already been two bids rejected for the Germany midfielder but the two parties are confident of reaching an agreement.
Florian Wirtz is widely expected to join Liverpool ahead of next season
Florian Wirtz is widely expected to join Liverpool ahead of next season (Image: GETTY)
Wirtz is set to feature for Germany in their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Portugal on Wednesday. Ahead of the game, Julian Nagelsmann dismissed any notion that Wirtz has been distracted by the transfer talk.
When questioned about the potential mental impact of the transfer talks, the German coach responded: "I didn't notice that the situation was bothering him.
"I think it's perfectly normal for every player, coach, whatever, to have one or two thoughts when a transfer is imminent. I think that's part of it."