Liverpool ‘top target’ receives ‘go-ahead’ for Real Madrid transfer with ‘swap’ to ‘facilitate operation’
According to reports, Liverpool face a fight with La Liga giants Real Madrid in the race to sign Milos Kerkez from Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth.
Kerkez has emerged as one of the standout left-backs in the Premier League as he is enjoying a great season for high-fliers Bournemouth.
Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a new left-back this summer as they need to sign a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson and Kerkez is among their preferred options.
The Reds are only eighth in our Premier League net spend table so they will have money to spend this summer and a new report claims Kerkez has been made their ‘new top defender target’ over Antonee Robinson amid one concern.
On Tuesday afternoon, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed Kerkez is “expected” to leave Bournemouth this summer.
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He said: “Milos Kerkez is expected to leave and try a new chapter in the summer as reported in the recent months.
“Liverpool are among the clubs tracking the left back who signed with Fali Ramadani as a new agent this year.”
Liverpool have been mooted as a leading contender in the race to sign Kerkez, but a report in Spain claims Real Madrid are also interested.
Real Madrid are ‘planning a swap deal’ to sign Kerkez as they have ‘set their sights’ on the Liverpool target.
They ‘would be willing to include Fran Garcia in the operation, in addition to a sum of 15 million euros’ to ‘convince’ Bournemouth with their ‘intention’ to sign a new left-back.
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Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has already given this transfer his ‘go-ahead’. The report claims:
‘The Madrid team’s proposal not only represents a commitment to a player with enormous potential, but also opens the door to the departure of Fran GarcÃa, who has not yet settled into Carlo Ancelotti’s starting eleven. The competition on the left flank has been intense and the board believes that Kerkez can offer a more physical profile and greater offensive projection.
‘Bournemouth, for their part, are looking favourably on the possibility of signing the Spanish full-back. Andoni Iraola, the English team’s manager, knows Fran GarcÃa well after his time at Rayo Vallecano and sees his signing as an interesting option to strengthen his squad.
‘The relationship between the two was positive during their time at the Madrid team and the coach believes that his adaptation would be immediate.
‘Negotiations are still at an early stage, but Real Madrid are confident that the inclusion of Fran GarcÃa will facilitate the operation.
‘With the arrival of Kerkez, the Whites would add a player with great potential and experience in a league as demanding as the Premier League. It remains to be seen whether Bournemouth accept the offer or demand better conditions to get rid of one of its emerging stars.’
