Liverpool are making strides in their pursuit of highly-rated Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez as they ramp up their search for squad reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window, according to iNews.
Kerkez has long been earmarked as a potential long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson at left-back, and with interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal, Liverpool are moving quickly to get ahead of the competition.
Contact has already been made with Kerkez’s representatives, according to The i Paper, and initial discussions with Bournemouth have taken place. However, no official bid has been lodged as of yet.
Read more: Liverpool Make Contact Over Surprise Move For Ipswich Striker Liam Delap
Bournemouth are reportedly unwilling to sell for less than £40m, with sources indicating that the increased competition for the Hungary international’s signature has prompted Liverpool to accelerate the process.
If Trent Alexander-Arnold departs for Madrid in the summer, Liverpool will also need to address the right-back position. However, this is not expected to affect the potential deal for Kerkez.
Reports claim that Liverpool had initially drawn up a three-man shortlist for the left-back role, with Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies and Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes among their top targets.
Both players, however, have recently signed new contracts, making Kerkez the club’s number-one choice.
Ajax’s Jorrel Hato has also emerged as a potential option for manager Arne Slot.
Read more: Liverpool Make Contact With Alexander Isak’s Representatives Ahead of Summer Move
Kerkez is said to favour a move to Liverpool over other suitors, with a key factor being his relationship with Liverpool’s director of football, Richard Hughes.
Hughes was instrumental in bringing Kerkez to England during his time at Bournemouth, which has made the prospect of a move to Anfield particularly appealing to the 21-year-old.
Furthermore, Kerkez recently switched agents to Fali Ramadani, a highly experienced figure who has worked extensively with Liverpool, including overseeing Federico Chiesa’s move to Anfield last summer.
Bournemouth, who have become known for their strong succession planning in recent years, already have a long-term left-back replacement lined up.
In January, they secured the signing of Julio Soler from Argentine club Lanus in a deal that could rise to £11.5m.
Robertson has remained a crucial part of Arne Slot’s system this season, but with the team’s hopes of multiple trophies dashed following an early Champions League exit and a Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, questions have arisen about the squad’s depth.
The club made only one significant addition last summer, in the form of injury-prone Chiesa.
Read more: Atletico Madrid Considering Summer Move For Liverpool Striker Darwin Nunez