Bournemouth have reportedly put a price tag of £45m on one of their in-demand defenders ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Cherries are enjoying a magnificent season in which they have exceeded expectations under head coach Andoni Iraola, who has played an integral role in elevating several of the club's young players to a higher level.
Sitting 10th in the Premier League table and just five points behind the guaranteed Champions League qualification spots, Bournemouth were beaten 2-1 at home to Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last weekend.
Two star players who were ruled out of that contest through suspension were defensive duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez, who have both been heavily linked with an exit from the Vitality Stadium.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in both players and while the Reds allegedly face competition from Real Madrid to sign Huijsen, they are believed to be ahead of Manchester United, Man City and Arsenal in the race Kerkez's signature.
© Imago
Kerkez 'likely to leave' Bournemouth as £45m asking price is set
According to The Times, Bournemouth want £45m for Kerkez after Liverpool showed an interest in signing the 21-year-old left back.
The report adds that Kerkez is likely to leave the Cherries this summer even though he still has three years remaining on his contract.
Bournemouth are said to want a straight cash deal if they were to sell Kerkez and would not be interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher being used as a makeweight.
Kelleher has been tipped to leave Anfield in search of regular first-team football and has recently been linked with a move to Bournemouth, but it is understood that the Cherries do not hold an interest in the Republic of Ireland international.
Kerkez has been identified by Liverpool as a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Andrew Robertson, who is believed to be facing an uncertain future at Anfield.
© Imago
Liverpool-linked Kerkez dreams of 'playing at the highest level'
Arne Slot supposedly still wants to retain the services of Robertson for next season, but the Scotsman will soon be entering the final year of his contract and Liverpool are believed to be planning for life without the former Hull City defender.
Kerkez has chipped in with two goals and six assists in 29 Premier League games for Bournemouth this season and has developed into one of Europe's brightest full-back prospects since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2023.
The Hungary international was signed for around £15.5m by former Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes, who is now the director of football at Liverpool.
Kerkez recently confirmed that there are "things that my agent is on" and has admitted that he dreams to "play at the highest level" and win trophies for "the best teams".
Oliver Thomas
