Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, with Diego Simeone's side ready to battle their bitter rivals Real Madrid for his signature this summer.
Kerkez has been one of the outstanding performers in an excellent Bournemouth side during the 2024-25 campaign, and his displays are believed to have put him on the radar of a number of major clubs ahead of the summer market.
The main interest from the Premier League is thought to be coming from Liverpool, with the Reds looking for a long-term Andy Robertson replacement, but Manchester United have also been heavily linked with his services.
The Red Devils signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January, but the Denmark international made his debut as a right-sided wing-back, and it is understood that Ruben Amorim's side still have an interest in Kerkez.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are thought to have set their sights on the Hungary international amid uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia in the Spanish capital.
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Atletico 'join the race' for Bournemouth's Kerkez
According to Fichajes, Atletico are also firmly in the hunt, with Simeone's side determined to beat Real Madrid to his signature.
The report claims that Atletico have also identified left-back as a key area in need of improvement this summer, and Kerkez's skillset is believed to fit the brief in terms of the player that the Red and Whites want to bring in at the end of the campaign.
Kerkez has scored twice and registered four assists in 30 appearances for Bournemouth this season, while he has represented the Cherries on 63 occasions since arriving from AZ Alkmaar, scoring twice and registering five assists.
Bournemouth could have a historic season, with Andoni Iraola's side currently seventh in the Premier League table, only three points behind fifth-placed Chelsea, while they are present in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
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Which club will win the race for Kerkez?
Kerkez recently dropped a hint over his future in an interview with The Guardian, claiming that he is aiming to reach "the top level".
"I believe I can make it at the top level of football," said the left-back.
There have been suggestions that Bournemouth would listen to offers of around £40m, but in reality, that is likely to be much higher considering his performances, and it would not be unreasonable to ask for at least £50m.
Liverpool, at this moment in time, are seemingly best-placed to bring in the Hungarian, but two major clubs from the Spanish capital are also showing an interest, and it would not be surprising to see him make the move to La Liga during this summer's transfer window.
Matt Law
