Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea now OUT of race for ‘expensive’ Liverpool target

Liverpool have been dealt a major transfer boon regarding a potential key target this January.

A report emerged last week that Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez was viewed incredibly favorably by the club, least of all because he was signed for the south coast club by now-Liverpool Director of Football, Richard Hughes.

However, the Redmen were expected to face stiff competition from both Chelsea and Manchester United for the Hungarian’s signature.

A report from Fabrizio Romano talking to CaughtOffside that Chelsea are not currently pursuing Kerkez and Manchester United deem him too expensive will be welcome news to the ears of the Liverpool faithful.

“No contacts are taking place with Chelsea now, from what I’m told – also because Marc Cucurella and Renato Veiga are doing very well.” Romano said.

“Kerkez was one of the options for Man United in the first part of the summer transfer window, but he was then considered too expensive.”

Liverpool’s left-back situation has caused little worry over the past few years, with Andy Robertson being one of the best at the position in the world for some time and Kostas Tsimikas being a capable backup. Tsimikas, however, is not seen as a long-term replacement and with Robertson now in his 30s, the 20-year old Hungarian could be a worthy investment. Additionally, it would be hoped that the player’s friendship with fellow national teammate Dominik Szoboszlai would be a key factor in any decision to come to Merseyside.

Kerkez is currently valued at around €20m, however with Manchester United being priced out of a deal it would be fair to assume that Bournemouth’s asking price is much higher.