Liverpool are not expected to table a bid for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez before the end of the season.
The Hungarian international is said to be a target for the Reds but GiveMeSport claim they have decided they won’t invest £50m to secure his services this month.
With Manchester United also interested in Kerkez, the website suggests that Liverpool’s decision is a “significant risk” as there are no guarantees that they will have a clear run to sign him next summer.
The left-back has been in excellent form for the Cherries and it is likely that his reputation will increase further still in the second half of the campaign.
Why don’t Liverpool want to sign the defender now?
The Merseyside club’s decision has been influenced by several factors. Firstly, Bournemouth would make it very hard to sign him this month. The South Coast club have made it clear in no uncertain terms that they do not want to sell anyone during the January transfer window.
Secondly, head coach Arne Slot is not keen on integrating a new recruit midway through the campaign with the Dutchman believed to be happy with his current squad.
The club have 2 key advantages over their rivals in the battle for Kerkez
While it seems as if Liverpool have delayed their attempts to buy the fullback, there are still a couple of reasons why they will be confident of snapping him up.
Dominik Szoboszlai is Kerkez’s national team captain and he recently said publicly that the Bournemouth star is his best friend in the Premier League. He could prove influential in persuading him to make the switch to Anfield.
Sporting director Richard Hughes also has close connections with both Kerkez and Bournemouth, having signed him during his time as the Cherries’ head of recruitment.
Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here