Bournemouth has named their price tag of £58m for one of its highly-rated defender, Milos Kerkez, amid strong interest from Liverpool in the past weeks.
Even though it looks likely they could cash out on the youngster, any deal that includes Caoimhin Kelleher in a potential summer transfer coming the other way has been ruled out.
According to reports from The Times, Bournemouth are expected to demand a transfer fee in the region of £45 million for full-back Kerkez should the Premier League giants Liverpool place a formal bid for the player.
The 21-year-old has had an impressive season with the Cherries in the 2024-25 campaign and has been strongly linked with a move away from the club come June.
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The Serbian-born Hungarian has three years left on his existing deal after the current season, the club will look to demand a straight cash deal without any player coming from the other end.
The report adds that the Reds might try to include goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher as part of the deal, but the offer is likely to be rejected.
Kerkez was brought to the Vitality Stadium from AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands in 2023 with then-Bournemouth sporting director Robert Hughes playing an important role in the transfer.
After taking over a similar role at Anfield, Hughes has been working closely with Liverpool manager Arne Slot on transfer activities since his move last summer.
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All looks set for Liverpool to win the Premier League this season, bar any surprises.
That notwithstanding, Slot has already started planning for the upcoming 2025-26 season and will look to make a host of signings to strengthen the squad.
The Dutchman sees Kerkez as a perfect option to add to the left side of the defence to provide competition to an ageing Andy Robertson and Konstantinos Tsimikas in the new season.
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Bournemouth, who are just four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City in the table, will aim to secure a slot in the Champions League season.
Adoni Iraola’s side will be next seen in action on Wednesday as they take on Ipswich Town in the Premier League.
