Liverpool may encounter increased competition for their long-standing left-back target, Milos Kerkez.
The club is actively seeking a long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson, who has recently turned 31 and is considered to be past his prime, despite having previously been regarded as one of the top full-backs globally.
Since joining Bournemouth from Dutch side AZ in 2023, Kerkez has made a significant impact, particularly during the breakout season of 2024/25.
Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, played a key role in bringing Kerkez to Bournemouth, which could enhance the Reds’ prospects this summer.
However, reports from Sky Sports indicate that they may face competition from both Real Madrid and domestic rivals Manchester City.
Madrid have missed out on primary target Alphonso Davies, who opted to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich rather than pursue a free transfer to Spain.
But the squad’s flaws at left-back were recently exposed by Arsenal and Bukayo Saka, who terrorised David Alaba in the Champions League earlier this month.
Ferland Mendy has endured fitness limitations and Fran Garcia seemingly isn’t trusted in the biggest games.City’s full-back depth has also been stretched this season.
Other defensive injuries have forced Josko Gvardiol to cover in the centre, with attacking midfielder Nico O’Reilly filling in, while Kyle Walker’s January absence has resulted in similar emergency cover from Matheus Nunes.
City had been heavily linked with Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, who is now more likely to stay put.Liverpool have secured veteran pair Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk to lucrative two-year contracts, but Arne Slot’s squad is still in need of a revamp.
The Reds did not recruit last summer and the team that will soon lift this season’s Premier League title was built for Jurgen Klopp.