Liverpool and Manchester United could struggle to convince Bournemouth to part ways with left-back target Milos Kerkez.
According to Give Me Sport, Bournemouth will play hardball to keep Milos Kerkez beyond the January transfer window as Manchester United and Liverpool circle for the left-back. The Cherries are eager to achieve a European spot this season, and the Hungarian is key to their plans to seek that objective.
Bournemouth are aware of the growing interest in some of their top performers this season, as the Cherries sit in seventh spot on the Premier League table. Ambitions of securing a European spot echo in the club’s background, and to achieve that, it must fight hard to keep hold of its best players.
Milos Kerkez is one of their stars this season. The Hungarian left-back has shown resilience in defending the ball and flair in the attacking third. Andoni Iraola considers him key to his plans for the season, and Bournemouth will play hardball to keep hold of the full-back.
They are set to demand a hefty fee of at least £50 million to sell him, but coming into the January transfer window, it is not about the money but more about finding a suitable replacement for the player. Hence, Bournemouth could resist offers for Kerkez in the winter market and probably block any move.
Milos Kerkez is tied to Bournemouth until 2028, so the Cherries are not particularly under pressure to decide in January. They could allow a move next summer, enabling the club and Iraola to plan a succession plan with ease and much more detail.
Manchester United and Liverpool suffer blows in Kerkez chase
Manchester United hold a concrete interest in Milos Kerkez, as they have visible problems in the left-back area. The £50 million-rated full-back’s profile would suit what Ruben Amorim wants, although there are already problems at Old Trafford regarding funds available in January.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are also keen and have been looking to ramp up their efforts to sign Kerkez. The Reds are reportedly looking for a long-term successor to Andy Robertson and revamping that left-back position. However, they and Manchester United will face a significant challenge convincing Bournemouth to let go of Kerkez.
