Manchester United have reportedly mapped out their transfer priorities at full-back and boosted Liverpool's chances of landing a mutual target in the process.
New United boss Ruben Amorim wants to sign a left wing-back for his 3-4-3 system after starting right-footer Diogo Dalot in Sunday's score draw against Ipswich Town. Luke Shaw came on at Portman Road but played as a left-sided centre-back, while Tyrell Malacia has been held back by injuries since arriving at Old Trafford.
According to Sky Germany, Milos Kerkez has emerged as a target for both United and Liverpool. The Bournemouth youngster is going from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola, and although Liverpool are 'pursuing' him, he is 'not at the top' of the Red Devils' wish list.
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United have reportedly compiled a 'long list' of left wing-back options for Amorim, with the likes of Alphonso Davies and Theo Hernandez understood to be higher up than Kerkez.
Liverpool may therefore have a clear run at the 21-year-old early in the January transfer window, when United are likely to be pursuing the targets deemed a higher priority by sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Kerkez has started all 12 of Bournemouth's Premier League matches this season, notching two assists. He is a crucial player for the Cherries, who may put up a stern fight before selling him this winter, given his contract runs until the summer of 2028.
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Hungarian international Kerkez spent time at AC Milan and AZ Alkmaar before joining up with Bournemouth last year. Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be well aware of his talents, having been in charge of Feyenoord during the full-back's spell in the Netherlands.
And Kerkez could challenge Andy Robertson for the left-back spot at Anfield, with a view to eventually becoming his long-term replacement.
Amorim will be keen to alter the United squad this winter after his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, spent years building a group to fit an entirely different system.
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The Portuguese is expected to play a lesser role in transfer dealings than the United managers who came before him, with Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrada all recently appointed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to assist with the recruitment process.
And while squad changes need to be made, Amorim will reportedly be forced to operate on a tight budget due to the huge sums splashed by the Red Devils in recent years, and the number of underperforming signings still on the books.
