Kerkez to Liverpool one step away and transfer 'could be completed this week'

Liverpool have been busy in the summer transfer window after already sealing a deal for Jeremie Frimpong and they are now hoping to completes two big deals for both Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez

Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez and could even complete the transfer this week, according to reports.

Arne Slot is continuing to strengthen his side as he looks to build on their Premier League triumph in his first season in charge, having already signed Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

Liverpool have also agreed a record-breaking £116.5million deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz - who is seen as someone the club can build their future around.

But the Reds are also looking to bolster their numbers at left-back too alongside the Wirtz deal and have been working on a deal for Kerkez, who was one of the standout stars in his position in the 2024-25 Premier League season.

There have been some concerns over the long-term future of Andy Robertson, while Kostas Tsimikas has also been linked with an exit from Anfield.

According to the i Paper, talks between Liverpool and Bournemouth are now at an "advanced stage" over a package worth between £40m and £45m.

It adds that while there are still a few issues to iron out, a deal is expected to be reached by the end of the week that will end months of speculation over Kerkez's future.

Bournemouth chief Simon Francis has been engaged in talks with Liverpool supremo Richard Hughes for the last few weeks, the report claims, with the Cherries refusing to budge on their valuation of the player.

But after making progress in talks, the two sides are now discussing on how the fee for Kerkez will be structured. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue, with the player signing a five-year deal.

It would mark a huge week for Liverpool, who are also hoping to wrap up the signing of Wirtz after agreeing to pay a British club record fee for the midfielder after his sensational season in the Bundesliga.

Wirtz will compete with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz, while Kerkez's arrival should provide competition for Robertson - though the Scottish international has admitted he is in the dark over his future at Liverpool.

Speaking to Sky Sports this week, he said: "We have discussed [my future], of course we have. “We've had good discussions, me and the club, but what the future holds, I'm not sure. All I know is I fly off on holiday and it's well needed. I need a rest after a long season, and then I look forward to pre-season."