Liverpool are on the brink of securing a £45 million deal for Milos Kerkez, as their active summer transfer window continues. The Reds have already welcomed Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks and are nearing a deal with his ex-Bayer Leverkusen colleague Florian Writz.

Frimpong’s arrival is set to fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. However, manager Arne Slot is also eager to bolster his left-back options this summer to provide stiffer competition for Andy Robertson.

Despite playing pivotal roles in two Premier League triumphs and the 2019 Champions League victory, Robertson’s form has been waning. His current understudy is Kostas Tsimikas.

However, the Greek international hasn’t quite proven himself as a viable long-term solution. As such, Liverpool are poised to finalise a deal for Bournemouth’s standout performer Kerkez.

Whether Kerkez is being brought in to challenge Robertson or replace him outright remains uncertain, especially given Atletico Madrid’s growing interest in the Scottish skipper.

Liverpool evidently view Kerkez as a future asset, with iNews reporting that he will be offered a five-year contract. The 21 year old can also anticipate a significant salary increase upon joining the champions.

Kerkez has expressed his preference for a move to Liverpool. Negotiations have been underway for three weeks, led by Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes.

A wave of optimism is sweeping through Anfield as Liverpool close in on a £45million deal for Bournemouth’s Kerkez, with the Cherries having already snapped up Adrien Truffert as his replacement. The transfer hinge now swings on deciding which shirt number the Hungarian talent will sport at Liverpool.

Kerkez is accustomed to wearing No.3, but that’s currently Wataru Endo’s number – though Endo’s own future at the club hangs in balance as he has seen limited action under Klopp, potentially freeing up the No.3 or even the vacant No.6 shirt.

Scottish left-back Andy Robertson, meanwhile, has openly welcomed the competition, expressing his readiness to maintain his high standards amid rumours of Kerkez’s impending arrival. Speaking to BBC Scotland, Robertson acknowledged the potential deal with a level-headed approach: “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.”

The defender reflected on his career so far and looked ahead confidently: “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.”

Robertson also emphasised his focus on personal performance over competition: “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.”