Justin Kluivert says he expects Bournemouth team-mate Milos Kerkez to complete a move to Liverpool.
The Premier League champions have flexed their muscles at the start of the summer transfer window, completing moves for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, 24, and Puskas Akademia goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, 20.
And over the coming days, the Reds are expected to announce the arrival of Frimpong’s Leverkusen team-mate, Florian Wirtz, 22, in a deal worth up to £127m, which would constitute a British transfer record.
Once Wirtz is through the doors at Anfield, the Merseyside giants are expected to turn their attentions to strengthening at left-back, with Arne Slot keen to bring in support and competition for Andy Robertson.
Kerkez has been identified as Liverpool’s primary target in this position on the back of an outstanding season with Bournemouth – and the Cherries have grown increasingly resigned to losing the young Hungary international.
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The 21-year-old mysteriously withdrew from Hungary’s friendly matches against Sweden and Azerbaijan, leaving Liverpool fans convinced that a deal is in the works.
It’s understood Liverpool and Bournemouth have been in talks for Kerkez for several weeks to hash out a deal, with the latter holding out for a fee in the region of £45m.
‘He’ll probably go there. I hope so for him,’ Bournemouth forward Kluivert told Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur when asked about the speculation linking Kerkez to Liverpool.
‘He hasn’t really said goodbye yet, but I hope he’ll make it happen there.’
Bournemouth are determined not to leave themselves short at left-back and have moved quickly to sign Kerkez’s would-be replacement Adrien Truffert.
Rennes turned down Bournemouth’s two opening offers for the 23-year-old France international before shaking hands on a proposal worth up to €17m (£14.5m).
Robertson could be forgiven for feeling a little uncomfortable over Kerkez’s impending arrival on Merseyside, despite already cementing his reputation as an all-time Liverpool great.
But the Scotland international is ‘backing himself’ and insists he hasn’t even given the rumours a ‘second thought’.
‘We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done,’ Robertson told BBC Scotland last week.
‘But until that is done, I’ve not even given that a second thought. 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 and being a mainstay in the team, which I’m incredibly proud of.
‘I’m not getting any younger. I can’t change my age, 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.’
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