Liverpool have been in talks with Bournemouth over a deal for left-back Milos Kerkez since January, but the Cherries are refusing to budge on their £45million valuation
20:35, 06 Jun 2025Updated 20:36, 06 Jun 2025
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot looks on during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 27, 2025.
Arne Slot's transfer plans have taken a hit(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool's bid to swiftly secure a deal for Milos Kerkez is reportedly on the rocks as Bournemouth hold their ground on the left-back's price tag.
The Reds have been eyeing a move for the Hungarian international since January, with plans for him to challenge Andrew Robertson for the starting spot next season.
However, the Cherries aren't making it easy for Liverpool. Having already sold Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid this summer, the top brass at the Vitality Stadium are in a position to play hardball as wealthy clubs hover around their prized assets.
Kerkez, who was a regular starter in every Premier League match last season, certainly fits that bill.
The i Paper reports that Bournemouth are refusing to budge on their £45million asking price. Liverpool's hopes of an immediate agreement have been put on hold, with sporting director Richard Hughes scrambling to sort out a number of 'unresolved issues', according to the report.
Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez has been linked with the Reds(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)
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The saga is expected to drag on until at least next week, and possibly longer, with Liverpool being asked to fork out a hefty sum for the 21-year-old, reports the Express.
Despite the current impasse, all parties reportedly believe that a deal will eventually be struck during the summer. But Liverpool's chief Hughes isn't getting any favours from his former employers Bournemouth, even though talks have 'ramped up significantly' over the past week.
Liverpool have officially announced the addition of Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks, set to vie with Conor Bradley for the right-back position following Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit.
Meanwhile, Hughes is juggling several deals simultaneously. As they work on securing a deal for Kerkez, Liverpool are also in the midst of a hefty bid for Florian Wirtz.
The Reds have had two offers knocked back, with the most recent one hitting a whopping £109.6m, as Bayer Leverkusen hold out for a staggering £126m.
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Rumours suggest that a player-plus-cash deal involving either Jarell Quansah or Harvey Elliott, or possibly both, could be on the cards.