Liverpool are one step closer to Milos Kerkez transfer as key Bournemouth decision made
The latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip amid further reports on Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez.
Liverpool's proposed interest in Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez has already been well-documented. Kerkez, 21, is seen as an ideal long-term replacement for Andy Robertson and to strengthen at left-back is viewed as vital for Arne Slot and key figures behind-the-scenes this summer.
The highly-rated Cherries full-back has been a standout performer for Andoni Iraola's high-flyers this season having featured 32 times thus far. The ECHO understands that Kerkez is a player of interest to Liverpool, but is not the only player on the club's shortlist as the next transfer window approaches.
Registering six goal contributions - two goals and six assists - the Hungarian international is thought to be valued at £45million and talks of a move have continued to gather momentum. Now, according to new information from radio station talkSPORT, Bournemouth are prepared to promote fellow full-back Julio Soler, who is yet to make his Premier League debut.
Soler is seen as the ideal understudy should Kerkez leave the south coast outfit later this year, with the Reds still leading the chase to sign him. The 20-year-old Soler joined from Lanus for an initial fee of about £6.6m in January, penning what has only been described as a long-term deal.
Bournemouth owner, Bill Foley, also told media earlier this year that he would never stand in the way of a player who wishes to move on to a bigger club. "We have a lot of our players under long-term contracts and most don't have a release clause," began the 80-year-old.
"We'd never stand in the way of a player in the event they have an opportunity they feel is a better opportunity. But we're trying to make sure we have a team and an environment that attracts good young players."
It remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool push ahead with their move for Kerkez but, should Bournemouth fail to qualify for Europe, then the dangling carrot at Anfield might prove too much. "A lot can happen in football, but it's pointless to predict," said the full-back previously when asked about his future.
"It wouldn't look bad [joining Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool], that's for sure. It's too early to talk about that.
"I have big goals with Bournemouth and we have many more matches to win. So that's the most important thing right now."
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