Liverpool's bid to swiftly secure a deal for Milos Kerkez is believed to be under threat as Bournemouth hold firm on its valuation of the left-back.
The Reds have been pursuing the Hungarian international since January, and they plan to use him to challenge Andrew Robertson for the starting spot next season. Robertson has made his feelings clear on the idea of Liverpool signing a new left-back.
Liverpool has already signed Jeremie Frimpong this summer, and a former Bayer Leverkusen chief believes Florian Wirtz is also on his way to Merseyside.
But Bournemouth is not making it easy for Liverpool in its pursuit of Kerkez. Having already sold Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid this summer, the Vitality Stadium's top brass are in a position to drive a hard bargain as wealthy clubs show interest in their prized assets.
Kerkez, who featured in every Premier League match last season, certainly fits that bill.
Consequently, The i Paper reports that Bournemouth are refusing to budge on their £45 million ($61 million) asking price. Liverpool's hopes of reaching an immediate agreement have been put on hold, with sporting director Richard Hughes working to resolve a number of unresolved issues, according to the report.
The saga is likely to continue into next week at the earliest, and possibly longer, with Liverpool being asked to fork out a hefty sum for the 21-year-old.
Milos Kerkez is one of Liverpool's summer transfer targets
Milos Kerkez is one of Liverpool's summer transfer targets (Image: Getty Images)
Despite the current impasse, all parties reportedly believe that a deal will eventually be struck during the summer.
However, Liverpool's chief Hughes is not receiving any favors from his former employer, Bournemouth, even though negotiations have ramped up over the past week.
Hughes is juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
In addition to trying to secure a deal for Kerkez, Liverpool are also in the midst of a hefty bid for Wirtz.
The Merseyside club has had two offers turned down, as Leverkusen hold out for a whopping £126 million ($171 million).
Reports suggest that a player-plus-cash deal involving either Jarell Quansah or Harvey Elliott, or possibly both, is also being considered.
Wirtz has been on Nations League duty with Germany this week, and he received a somewhat hostile Premier League welcome from Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva during a 2-1 loss to Portugal on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old netted Germany's sole goal before Francisco Conceicao and Cristiano Ronaldo scored a rapid double for Portugal.