LIV dealt difficult January transfer blow over Carragher's problem position

Liverpool target Milos Kerkez will not be allowed to leave Bournemouth this month.

Kerkez, 21, has been in inspired form this season and has already been identified as an ideal Liverpool signing by Jamie Carragher, who wants to see his old club sign a left-back in the January transfer window.

Other Premier League big guns have also been linked with Kerkez since the start of the 2024-25 campaign - but his suitors are set to be left disappointed.

As outlined by The i Paper, Bournemouth are determined to play hardball in January. It's said they will not consider any approaches for Kerkez or three other of their top stars in Dean Huijsen, Antoine Semenyo and Illia Zabarnyi, all of whom are currently in demand.

While Kerkez has flourished in the Premier League this term, Liverpool's own long-term left-back, Andy Robertson, has struggled to reach the heights he's hit in previous years.

Speaking after Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, Carragher once again urged Arne Slot's side to sign a left-back this month to help them get over the line in the title race, with the Reds currently six points clear at the Premier League summit.

The Anfield icon has previously shared his theory that Liverpool could have an advantage in their bid to sign Kerkez given the Reds' sporting director, Richard Hughes, was in power at Bournemouth when the Hungary international was brought in back in 2023.

"We've just spoken about Liverpool's left-back situation and the fact Andy Robertson needs help," Carragher said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football earlier this season.

"Now listen, he's been a revelation at Bournemouth. The only reason why I mention Liverpool is that fact that, yes they are probably looking for someone in that position, but also because the sporting director who brought him to Bournemouth is now the sporting director at Liverpool.

"He's aggressive, he's got pace. Even when you look at him he looks like a full-back, small, really aggressive and after wingers on that side. He's been superb since he's come into the Premier League for Bournemouth and it's one to watch for the future whether he stays or leaves."