Kerkez contract details & likely shirt number as Liverpool close in on £45m deal

Milos Kerkez is set to join Liverpool in the coming days after the Reds reached a breakthrough in their talks with Bournemouth, with the Hungary international in line for a bumper contract

Milos Kerkez is edging towards a £45million move to Liverpool as the Reds' busy summer window continues. They have already signed Jeremie Frimpong and are closing in on his former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Writz.

Frimpong arrives to help replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has joined Real Madrid. But boss Arne Slot has also been keen to add a left-back to his squad this summer to provide better competition for Andy Robertson.

Though he has played a key role in two Premier League title wins and the 2019 Champions League win, Robertson's performances have suffered a downturn. His back-up is currently Kostas Tsimikas.

But the Greek international has never really convinced that he can be a long-term option. Instead, the Reds are now set to close a deal for Kerkez, who has impressed at Bournemouth.

Whether Kerkez comes in as competition for Robertson or to directly replace him remains to be seen, with the Scotland captain the subject of increasing interest from Atletico Madrid.

It appears Liverpool certainly see Kerkez as being a long-term player, with iNews reporting he will be handed a five-year contract. The 21-year-old can also expect a major pay bump by joining the champions.

Kerkez has made it clear that Liverpool is his preferred destination. Talks have been ongoing for three weeks, with Reds sporting director Richard Hughes taking the lead in the negotiations.

Bournemouth have stood firm on their valuation and there is said to be 'growing optimism' a deal will be agreed in the coming days. Liverpool are set to pay £45m to get hold of Kerkez, with the Cherries having already signed a replacement in Adrien Truffert.

One matter that does remain to be settled is the shirt number Kerkez will take on at Anfield. The Hungary international currently wears No.3 at Bournemouth, though that is occupied by Wataru Endo at Liverpool.

Endo has struggled for game time since Klopp arrived though and could well depart this summer. If he leaves or even moves over to the unoccupied No.6 shirt, then Kerkez could take hold of the No.3 jersey.

For his part, Robertson has insisted he is ready to face the challenge Kerkez will bring. He told BBC Scotland earlier this month: "We're not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done. But, until that is done, I've not even given that a second thought.

"I back myself, I've got confidence in my own ability and that drives me forward. I've had eight fantastic years at Liverpool in terms of winning trophies, being a mainstay in the team, which I'm incredibly proud of. I'm not getting any younger, I can't change my age.

"But I still believe I've got a lot to give and that's what I focus on. I focus on myself - you can't focus on other people or who you're competing with. I still believe I have a hell of a lot to give for however many years I can keep going. My body feels good at the minute."