Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth
Liverpool are interested in Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Hungarian national team manager Marco Rossi has confirmed Milos Kerkez is one of two players who will sit out their friendly match against Sweden on Friday night. Liverpool are in pursuit of a deal with Bournemouth to bring the left-back to Anfield this summer.
After being considered favourites to land the 21-year-old towards the end of the Premier League title-winning campaign, Kerkez has now emerged as Liverpool's top target in his position as they chase their next transfer. The Cherries understand just how impressive their player has been over the past season and are believed to be holding out for a fee of £45m.
Meanwhile Kerkez has met up with his national team for their June round of fixtures, though his manager, Rossi, made the announcement at his Thursday afternoon press conference that the player will not play a part.
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He said the same of forward Barnabas Varga, outlining their absence would be for 'various reasons'.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Rossi said: "Despite the fact that it is a friendly match, I see that everyone wants to perform well. We were able to test different tactical situations in training, the guys’ reaction was positive, we would like to see this in the match as well.
"Milos Kerkez and Barnabás Varga will not be on the pitch on Friday due to various problems. The Swedes are physically strong, they have several top-league footballers, they look for one-on-one situations, they definitely want to win on Friday, but we also have quality players with whom we can compete with them."
Head coach Marco Rossi of Hungary speaks
Hungary manager Marco Rossi confirmed the decision for Milos Kerkez
Liverpoo sporting director, Richard Hughes, was formerly of Bournemouth before moving to the club last summer and secured Kerkez's arrival in England from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar. Kerkez also continues to hint towards a possible transfer, with AZ even getting in on the act.
With this deal a growing possibility, Liverpool's start to the summer seems to be getting ever busier. The club are also locked in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen over signing Florian Wirtz - a deal that could reach a record sum.
And they have come out in defiance of rumours surrounding an exit for Luis Diaz, also rebuffing an official approach from Barcelona.