Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez during the summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old made the switch from Eredivisie giants AZ Alkmaar to the Cherries ahead of the 2023-24 campaign and has impressed for the South-coast club so far this term.
Kerkez has cemented his place as first-choice left-back at the Vitality Stadium, featuring in 21 Premier League matches for Andoni Iraola's men, providing one assist.
The left-back also possesses relative international pedigree, having represented Hungary on 13 occasions since making his first-team debut in May 2022.
According to The Mirror, a pair of Premier League sides are keen on securing the services of Bournemouth's Kerkez ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
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The report claims that Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea and Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are interested in signing the Hungarian during the summer window.
It is understood that the Blues are targeting a major summer rebuild following a difficult first season under the tutelage of former Tottenham Hotspur man Pochettino.
The West Londoners are currently sitting in 11th position in the Premier League standings and were defeated in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool last month.
Therefore, it is believed that Chelsea are planning a number of new arrivals in the summer, with defence an area earmarked for significant improvement.
The Blues have reportedly already sent scouts to the Vitality Stadium to watch Kerkez in action for Bournemouth, as they look to climb the top-flight standings.
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Pochettino could be short of left-back options ahead of the new season, with Marc Cucurella set for a move away from Stamford Bridge at the conclusion of the campaign.
Cucurella has only played 10 Premier League matches for Pochettino this term, and it is believed that Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is attempting to drum up interest in the Spaniard from Saudi Arabia.
Despite enjoying regular first-team minutes on loan at Borussia Dortmund, fellow left-back Ian Maatsen is not expected to be part of the Blues' plans for 2024-25.
Chelsea are not alone in their fondness of Kerkez, though, with Man United also monitoring the progress of the 20-year-old throughout this campaign.
With Luke Shaw suffering with a multitude of injury issues in recent years, it is understood that the Red Devils are interested in bolstering the left side of their backline in the summer.
Carter White
