There can be no hiding from the fact that Liverpool need a new left-back. Andy Robertson is a club legend but his performances this season have left much to be desired and, with the Scotland international set to turn 31 in March, Arne Slot’s side could certainly benefit from bringing in some fresh blood in that department.
Robertson’s deputy, Kostas Tsimikas, is a solid rotational option but is not the long-term solution to the left-back conundrum. Therefore, the links to Kerkez make a lot of sense.
At just 21, the Hungary international already has plenty of senior domestic and international experience under his belt and has been in impressive form for a Bournemouth team that have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this term. That Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes has close connections to the south-coast club, having previously served as their technical director, could help to give Slot’s side the edge in the race to land Kerkez’s signature. But it will cost them.
OTHER RUMORS
play1:48
Why Laurens struggles to see Nkunku’s fit with Bayern
Julien Laurens explains why he doesn’t see a fit with Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich amid transfer rumors.
– TSG Hoffenheim midfielder Tom Bischof has agreed to join Bayern Munich on a free transfer and a medical is set to take place next week. Contrary to some reports, the 19-year-old won’t be departing Bayern on loan once he officially joins the club in July. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Aymeric Laporte is “waiting” for a phone call from Real Madrid, but the Al Nassr centre-back will be disappointed this month with the LaLiga giants not considering a move in the January window. The Spain international, 30, wants to leave Saudi Arabia but Madrid would only consider signing a player his age on a free transfer. (Marca)
– Manchester City have shown an interest in Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, but the club are only prepared to listen to offers above €50m for the Italy international. (Tuttosport)
– Real Betis are among the clubs interested in signing 24-year-old Manchester United winger Antony on loan this month. (Sun)
– Napoli have offered Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho, 20, a five-year contract but have yet to agree a fee with his club. (Il Mattino)
– Chelsea have made an offer to sign Deportivo La Coruna winger Yeremay Hernandez but have seen it turned down. (Metro)
– Bournemouth have agreed terms with Chelsea to sign 19-year-old winger Zain Silcott-Duberry. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Brighton & Hove Albion have expressed interest in signing Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo. The 27-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge last summer on a free transfer from Fulham, so far playing 10 times for the club in the Premier League. (Daily Mail)
– Chelsea are now unlikely to move for £70m-rated Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi until the summer after recalling Trevoh Chalobah his loan at Selhurst Park. (Daily Mail)
– However, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi, 26, could leave this month and is attracting interest from Juventus, Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen. (Caught Offside)
– Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies has “agreed terms” on a free transfer to Real Madrid this summer, although his current club are still pressuring him for a renewal and are hoping for an answer soon. (Marca)
– Arsenal, PSG and Manchester City have shown interest in signing former NC Courage star Kerolin, who left the NWSL club on a free transfer. (Rob Pratley)
– Talks are advancing between Atlanta United and Newcastle United over the permanent transfer of Miguel Almirón, reports. The 30-year-old Paraguay midfielder is the subject of an £11m bid from his former club, which the Magpies are said to be considering. (Athletic)
Newcastle United have rejected an £11m bid from Fenerbahce to sign defender Lloyd Kelly. (Athletic)
– West Ham are ready to move on forward Luis Guilherme, 18, seven months after signing him. (Times)
– They could replace him with another Brazilian: Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz. (Standard)
– Or Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi. (Florian Plettenberg)
– Everton, Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa are keen on signing Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmazaz. (Hurriyet)