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Liverpool are preparing to enter into talks with Bournemouth over the signing of left-back Milos Kerkez, Rousing The Kop understands.

The Reds are keen to buy a new left-sided defender this summer and have been assessing their options over recent months.

And having also done background work on both Antonee Robinson of Fulham and Wolves’ Rayan Ait Nouri, Liverpool are now ready to push ahead with a deal for Kerkez.

Liverpool learns Milos Kerkez asking price as Bournemouth makes swap deal stance clear	Bournemouth 'name price for Liverpool target Milos Kerkez' as Reds line up summer swoop in bid to beat rivals to full back's signature	Liverpool learn Bournemouth's asking price for Milos Kerkez

The Reds are understood to view the Hungarian as an initial replacement for Kostas Tsimikas, with Kerkez set to battle Andy Robertson for a starting berth in Arne Slot’s team.

Liverpool were intrigued with the options of Robinson and Ait Nouri, but Kerkez’s age is understood to be one of the factors which has given him the edge.



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Liverpool are set to be busy in the transfer market this summer, with left-back one of the key areas due for an upgrade.

But despite criticism of Robertson’s performances this term, Liverpool are understood to be happy for the 31-year-old to remain at the club next season.

Instead, Tsimikas is likely to be sold, with a new arrival set to split time with Robertson before eventually taking over as the long-term starter.

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Liverpool have now identified Kerkez as being a good fit to fill that remit and RTK understands the Reds value him at around £40m.

With Bournemouth believing the 21-year-old is worth closer to £50m, work will need to be done before an agreement can be met.

However, it’s understood that talks between the clubs are set to get underway soon.

Although Liverpool are interested in adding Kerkez to the squad next season, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal that he may not be the only left-sided defender brought in this summer.

The Reds are also understood to be continuing to do work on Ajax youngster Jorrel Hato.

RTK understands that a move for Hato is yet to be ruled out at Anfield, with Liverpool attracted by his ability to play as both a left-back and a left-sided centre-back.

Any move for Hato is understood to be more likely as a replacement for either Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah at centre-back at this stage and is also seen as being more possible if Virgil van Dijk extends his contract.