-Credit:Getty Images
Milos Kerkez is reportedly favoring a move to Liverpool, and it seems the Reds might hold an advantage over its rivals in the race to sign the left-back.
Kerkez has found himself being linked with a move away from Bournemouth, having caught the eye of a number of big sides over the past year or so. As well as Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are also said to be in the running for his signature.
The Reds could be in the market for a new left-back, with Andy Robertson struggling to reach his usual heights this season. Jamie Carragher is among those who have called for Liverpool to sign a new defender this month, having grown concerned with their fragility in the fullback areas.
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According to The i Paper, Liverpool, United and City have all already started to make contact with Kerkez’s representatives. It seems the Reds hold the upper hand though, with the Hunagry international said to favor a move to Anfield.
Central to that is the presence of Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who is claimed to be playing a major part in Kerkez’s thinking. Hughes brought the 21-year-old to England in his previous role with Bournemouth, and is said to be prioritizing his signing again now at Anfield.
He may have to wait though, with Bournemouth having no plans to sell in January, despite having already signed a potential replacement in Julio Soler from Argentinian club Lanus earlier this month.
Sporting director Richard Hughes could play a big role in Liverpool signing Milos Kerkez -Credit:Getty Images
It’s suggested that no concrete proposals have yet been made for Kerkez, with Bournemouth under no pressure to sell. The Cherries though could be tempted to do business if they receive offers in the region of $61m (£50m/€59m).
While Hughes is said to be prioritizing a move for Kerkez, it is also suggested that Liverpool has an alternative identified already if a deal for the Hungarian doesn’t materialize. Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri is said to be next on the Reds’ shortlist.
Liverpool.com says: Hughes has been facing some criticism from Liverpool fans recently, with supporters unhappy at the lack of activity since he arrived as sporting director. Indeed, it does feel like a new name is being ruled out of the running for a move to Anfield almost daily now.
On this occasion though, we might see the benefit he brings to the role. Having signed Kerkez once, hopefully he can repeat the trick and secure that new left-back Liverpool needs.