Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Robin Jones/Getty Images

The Times has provided a Liverpool transfer update amidst what is a tense time to be a Liverpool supporters

The January transfer window has gotten off to a noisy start for Liverpool, with sporting director Richard Hughes facing mounting criticism over his handling of both transfers and contract negotiations

Despite the club sitting atop the Premier League table under Arne Slot’s leadership, there are growing concerns about Hughes’ effectiveness in his role since joining from Bournemouth last summer.

It is important to point out that this criticism is largely founded on fan perception, and Hughes is, unfortunately, suffering the brunt of fan frustration over the general lack of urgency regarding contracts for the endangered trio.

Michael Edwards’ departure in 2022 marked the end of a highly successful era during which Liverpool won multiple major trophies and built a championship-winning squad.

His successor, Julian Ward, unexpectedly stepped down after just one season in the role

This was followed by Jorg Schmadtke’s brief interim appointment, which was primarily focused on leveraging his connections in the German mark

Richard Hughes now finds himself as Liverpool’s fourth sporting director in just three years, meaning that each director before him likely did not deal with the contract situations as they were looking to move on before it would become an issue.

Reds fans have also been frustrated at the lack of transfer action, with Jamie Carragher coming out after the draw vs Manchester United to assert that the club needs a left-back this January.

But according to the latest reports, one rumoured option is out of the frame for the winter window at least.

The Times confirms Liverpool transfer news

The Times have reported that Bournemouth are nearing the completion of left-back signing Julio Soler from Argentine side Club Atletico Lanus.

While a deal like this would naturally set tounges wagging that Soler is a winter window replacement for Milos Kerkez, this is not the case.

It is asserted that the Cherries would not let their Hungarian star during the winter window – and that extends to any first-team player.

Indeed, Soler’s acquisition is seen internally as a squad strengthening drive to have  two competitive players in each position, according to the report.

This is yet another dent for pro-Milos Kerkez fans, with Fabrizio Romano confirming before the window opened that Manchester United’s interest in the 21-year-old is more concrete than Liverpool’s.

Interestingly, the left-back recently changed agencies to Fali Ramadani’s Lian Sports Group – the same agency as Federico Chiesa.

It is common practice for players to change agents when they are anticipating a transfer or themselves looking to accelerate an exit.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Manchester United, visit our sister site MUFC Live.