Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of AFC Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.
The Reds are yet to make any January signings but have been tipped to land Kerkez, having been left impressed with his displays in the Premier League.
A number of top clubs are said to be eyeing the 21-year-old, with Liverpool among his admirers. According to Relevo, they believe he is capable of succeeding Andy Robertson and are interested in snapping him up.
It seems likely that Bournemouth will have no desire to sell Kerkez unless a huge bid is tabled, but their stance may soften once they have completed the signing of another left-back.
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They are reportedly close to securing the services of Julio Soler, who plays for Lanus in Argentina, in a deal worth up to £11.5million.
The 19-year-old is set to undergo a medical in the coming days, according to The Times, with his arrival at the Vitality Stadium potentially opening the door for Kerkez to leave.
However, the report states that Andoni Iraola is eager to keep hold of the defender until at least the end of the season.
He recently insisted that he was not thinking about losing Kerkez, saying after Bournemouth's victory over Manchester City: "The other teams, I don’t really pay too much attention to these things. I don’t know how much truth there is in these rumours."
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Only time will tell if the Cherries can be persuaded to sell Kerkez, who was recently earmarked as the ideal January signing for Liverpool by Jamie Carragher.
During an appearance on Monday Night Football earlier in the season, he said: "We've just spoken about Liverpool's left-back situation and the fact Andy Robertson needs help. Now listen, he [Kerkez] has been a revelation at Bournemouth.
"The only reason why I mention Liverpool is the fact that, yes, they are probably looking for someone in that position, but also because the sporting director who brought him to Bournemouth is now the sporting director at Liverpool.
"He's aggressive, he's got pace. Even when you look at him he looks like a full-back, small, really aggressive and after wingers on that side.
"He's been superb since he's come into the Premier League for Bournemouth and it's one to watch for the future whether he stays or leaves."
