Hungarian national team boss Marco Rossi has confirmed that Liverpool transfer target Milos Kerkez, alongside one other player, will miss his side's international friendly against Sweden on Friday.
Liverpool is thought to be keen on securing a deal with Bournemouth to snap up the left-back for the upcoming season. After being initially tipped as front-runners in snatching the 21-year-old by the close of its Premier League-winning season, Kerkez is seemingly now viewed by Liverpool as their primary option in his role, as it gears up for its next transfer activity.
The Cherries are well aware of their player's stellar reputation thanks to his performances in the past league campaign, and are believed to be aiming for a sum of around $60 million (£45 million). That would be around three times the fee paid to AZ Almaar for the full-back when Richard Hughes, now Liverpool's sporting director, was in charge on the south coast.
Kerkez joined up with his compatriots for their fixtures this June. However, Rossi, during his Thursday press conference, announced that Kerkez wouldn’t participate.
This same statement was made regarding forward Barnabas Varga, suggesting "various reasons" for their omission.
In anticipation of the game, Rossi commented: "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, and we would like to see this in the match as well.
Head coach Marco Rossi of Hungary speaks
Hungary manager Marco Rossi confirmed the decision for Milos Kerkez (Image: Hilmi Sever/Anadolu via Getty Images)
"Milos Kerkez and Barnabas Varga will not be on the pitch on Friday due to various problems. The Swedes are physically strong, they have several top-league footballers, and 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."
Liverpool’s preparations for next season are well underway, with Jeremie Frimpong already through the door. Discussions are still ongoing with Bayer Leverkusen for star player Florian Wirtz — an acquisition that might set the Reds back a British record fee.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding a possible departure for Luis Diaz has been played down. Barcelona and clubs in Saudi Arabia are said to be keen on signing the Colombian.
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"I’m very happy at Liverpool," Diaz, 28, is quoted as saying during a press conference while away on international duty with Colombia, who will play Peru tomorrow and then Argentina next week. "They’ve treated me well since the first day.
"We’re talking with other clubs. It’s the transfer window, it’s normal. If Liverpool renews my contract, or if I have to stay the two years I have left, I’ll be happy. It’s up to them."
Liverpool.com says: Kerkez would be a very exciting signing if it gets over the line. Alongside Frimpong and Wirtz, it would be an exceptional start to the summer. Keeping Diaz, too, would be a good idea, so Liverpool doesn't give itself too much to do.