Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, who has been linked with a move to Anfield.
Kerkez has impressed since joining Bournemouth from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and reports have claimed that Liverpool are among the clubs keen on his services, with former Reds defender Jamie Carragher giving the move his seal of approval.
And it appears as though Bournemouth are bracing themselves for Kerkez to leave the club, with multiple reports claiming they have agreed a €15 million (£12.45m) deal to sign left-back Julio Soler from Argentine club Lanus.
The move would pave the way for Kerkez to depart and Carragher believes Liverpool have an advantage over rival clubs, given their new sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who signed the 21-year-old for Bournemouth.
"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."
Kerkez, meanwhile, insisted last month that he has what it takes to be a success at the "top level of football". Speaking to the Guardian, Kerkez said: "I believe I can make it at the top level of football… then I can build an even bigger lake.
"We are pushing but we're not even halfway through the season and in the Premier League everything can change in two games." Bournemouth are said to value Kerkez at around £40m and the full-back has three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.