Liverpool is in the process of finalizing a deal for Bournemouth's full-back Milos Kerkez, but the Cherries are holding out for a £45 million ($61 million fee) for the Hungarian left-back as negotiations continue. It comes after the defender recently spoke out about his future.
The Reds have yet to make an official offer but will do so when they believe an agreement can be reached. The likelihood of this is increasing and talks will carry on this week with growing optimism that the player will eventually join Liverpool even though a compromise on the fee will need to be reached.
Manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes have identified the left-back as their top target to bolster their squad this summer. Hughes initially brought Kerkez to the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 during his tenure at the Vitality Stadium. Kerkez, aged 21, was a standout player for Bournemouth last season.
The player himself is eager to make the move and personal terms won't pose a problem if the clubs can agree on a fee. The Cherries are unwilling to sell below their valuation, having already lost defender Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
They are also preparing for a potential bid from Paris Saint-Germain for center-back Ilya Zabarnyi. According to FootMercato, the South Coast team has identified their preferred replacement for Kerkez.
That individual is believed to be Stade Rennais star Adrien Truffert, who is being 'highly courted' by the Cherries. He played in 33 matches for Rennais last season as they finished 12th in Ligue 1.
Bournemouth is poised to make an improved bid for a 23-year-old French player after their initial offer was turned down. This move could potentially pave the way for Hungarian Kerkez to join Liverpool.
France defender Adrien Truffert playing during the Olympics
Adrien Truffert is wanted by Bournemouth (Image: Marc Atkins)
Liverpool has been active in the summer transfer window, having already secured the services of versatile right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen in a £29 million ($39.3 million) deal. Negotiations are also underway with the Bundesliga club for German midfield maestro Florian Wirtz in what could be a record-breaking transfer of £109M ($147.8M).
The Reds are expected to bolster their attacking options with another signing, while there may also be significant departures. However, they have no plans to part ways with Luis Diaz this summer.
Despite speculation about his future, Liverpool has not received any inquiries for the Colombian international. The 28-year-old, who has two years remaining on his current contract, has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer.
Saudi Pro League teams Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, as well as Spanish heavyweights Barcelona, have all reportedly shown interest in Diaz. Yet, Liverpool remains baffled by the rumors surrounding the player's future, as they have received no communication regarding his availability.
Diaz, who netted 17 goals last season across all competitions, helping Liverpool clinch the Premier League title, is a key figure under manager Arne Slot. However, there are currently no plans to initiate contract negotiations with Diaz.