Exclusive: Milos Kerkez set to agree personal terms with Liverpool FC

AFC Bournemouth Liverpool FC

AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez is now ready for a new challenge as he looks set to agree personal terms with Liverpool FC.

JamesWilliam reported in November that Liverpool had been in the market for a new young and versatile left-back since January with multiple reporters confirming the interest in AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez back in January. Initially he was disclosed in a list of 3 potential candidates to fight against Andrew Robertson to be the name on the team sheet each weekend. Alphonso Davies (24), Nuno Mendes (22) & Álvaro Carreras (22). We can confirm that these reports are wide of the mark, Milos Kerkez originally was not Liverpool's first choice as they had club officials courting FC Bayern Munich over Alphonso Davies position but got the reception that fending off Spanish giants Real Madrid would be a fight they'd preferably avoid alongside the indication from Alphonso's camp that he was looking to sign a new deal to stay in Germany.

Milos Kerkez had his break through season abroad in the Eredivisie playing 52 matches for AZ Alkmaar in 22/23 with 5 goals & 4 assists. Compared to Andrew Robertson's 11 assists that season whilst Liverpool failed to qualify for Champions League football Milos earned himself a move, Richard Hughes now LFC sporting director signed the young talent for £15.5m. Milos's Premier League adaptation period set him back a year with him now in the middle of his breakout season playing 36 times for a ABFC side challenging for European football contributing with 2 goals & 5 assists playing over 600 minutes more then Liverpool's current first choice left-back. Andoni Iraola is gathering interest from elite clubs, weighing up his options whilst Milos Kerkez has made his mind up with his agency currently in advanced negotiations with Liverpool officials Breakthrough expected before the end of the season as Liverpool look to wrap up their 20th Premier League title within the next week. Allowing them to spend accordingly especially with the lack of incomings the past windows, previously linked with Dean Huijsen & Alexander Isak there is no reason to not expect the club to test the waters for both.

A deeper insight into Liverpool's reasoning for targeting Milos Kerkez isn't a secret, Arne Slot enjoys giving his fullbacks freedom along with the discipline to understand that they also have defensive responsibilities. We can see this with the approach he takes with Liverpool's current choice fullback Conor Bradley, both can be mirrored for their attacking mindset but also handle themselves correctly whilst defending. Milos Kerkez (22) so far this season has 53.1% (26), 53.3%(137) & 35.2%(25) Tackles Won, Duels Won & Aerial Duels Won. Andrew Robertson's final season at Hull City 66.7%(36), 52.4%(99) & 40.9%(9), with 200 less minutes and a relegated side. Andrew Robertson outperformed his teammates earning himself a move. Similarities are striking yet understandable as Richard Hughes & Arne Slot take a smart approach when it comes to signing their targets. With Hugo Ekitike lined up as potential 2nd option to Liverpool's main target Alexander Isak, NUFC demanding excess of £100m but are open to potential swap deals with Jarell Quansah & Joe Gomez's future uncertain. Liam Delap has also been courted with Frankfurt raising Ekitike's price, Delap could become a new contender that leads Arne Slot's frontline behind Alexander Isak. Dean Huijsen also available at the right price should he look to leave AFCB this summer, interest from Real Madrid was rumored but with Ancelotti now ready to depart with the Italian in advanced negotiations with Brazil its hard to visualize any sort of transfer activity from them this early into the window, including their long standing interest in Trent Alexander-Arnold.