Liverpool close in on Milos Kerkez deal – ‘he’s the one they’ll get’
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez this summer as he has emerged as their top priority.
This comes as Arne Slot’s side have been keen to find a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson whose starting position in the team has been questioned.
Kerkez, 21, has emerged as a key target for the Reds after an impressive season at Bournemouth which has established him as one of the most highly-rated full-backs in the division.
Football Insider revealed as early as December that Kerkez is one of Liverpool’s top targets to replace Robertson amid concerns about his performances.
However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has now told Football Insider that Bournemouth’s potential European qualification could hamper the deal.
The Cherries would be in a better position to turn down offers in that case – although they are still expected to be willing to sell if Liverpool pay the right fee.
Previous transfer windows have seen Bournemouth willing to sell the likes of Dominic Solanke to reinvest the money into their squad, and that is expected to happen again this summer.
Liverpool make Antonee Robinson decision amid Milos Kerkez chase
Football Insider revealed last month that Kerkez is Liverpool’s top priority target as they look to sign a new left-back, moving ahead of Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.
The Bournemouth star’s age and potential have made him the top target as Slot’s side plan to add a new long-term option who can fill the role for the foreseeable future.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson insisted that Kerkez is the one Liverpool will sign this summer, and he expects them to come up with the right fee to tempt the Cherries into a sale.
“The only thing that could hamper the Kerkez deal is if Bournemouth get European football,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve got a very outside chance of it this season, which could then see them turn down offers.
“But even then, we’ve seen in the past that Bournemouth are willing to sell.
“They’ve cashed in on the likes of Dominic Solanke and others before.
“Bournemouth or Fulham getting European football could maybe have an impact on the deals and whether they’re willing to sell.
“But if Liverpool pay the right fee, he’s the one that they’ll get.”
Arne Slot eyes double Bournemouth swoop amid Dean Huijsen latest
Football Insider revealed on 28 February that Liverpool want to sign a new centre-back as well as a right-back amid speculation about Virgil van Dijk’s future.
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season as things stand and has not committed to new terms, but the Reds want a new option regardless of his future.
As a result, Football Insider revealed that Liverpool want to sign Dean Huijsen as the 19-year-old has a £55million release clause in his Bournemouth contract.
Alongside Kerkez, the centre-back has established himself as one of the hottest young defenders in the Premier League his move from Juventus last summer.
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