Liverpool has shortlisted Milos Kerkez as a potential option at left-back ahead of the transfer window. And a new agreement might put Arne Slot's side in the driving seat.
Kerkez has been named as a possible target alongside other players including Jorrel Hato, amid a belief that Liverpool could look to find a successor to Andy Robertson in the summer. Slot has continued to trust the Scot, but there have been a few uncomfortable moments for the 30-year-old.
As for Kostas Tsimikas, only a couple of years Robertson's junior, he was never likely to be the long-term heir. That could finally push Richard Hughes toward making a significant transfer, after a quiet start to his life as sporting director.
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He hasn't had to flex his talents too much to come up with Kerkez's name either. After all, Hughes brought him to Bournemouth in the first place, in his previous capacity as sporting director at the Vitality Stadium.
But that's no reason to scoff at the link. There's consensus that Kerkez has been one of the most impressive left-backs in the Premier League this season, with the team Hughes built flying high in sixth under Andoni Iraola.
Indeed, should Liverpool crystallize its interest, it will face plenty of competition for the 21-year-old's signature. Manchester United has been linked most heavily.
On paper, the choice for Kerkez should be easy. Liverpool is 34 points and 14 places clear of Manchester United, and there's even a clear route to first team minutes at Anfield.
However, Kerkez has previously vowed not to move to Liverpool, amid claims that he may hold a personal allegiance to Man United. Whether that would hold fast if Hughes actually came knocking remains to be seen.
All things considered, Liverpool could do with another ace up its sleeve if it wants to ensure a deal can be done. And it might just have been presented with one.
Kerkez recently changed his agent. He has reached an agreement with Lian Sports, a group well-known to Liverpool.
In fact, the one Anfield arrival Hughes has so far facilitated involved discussions with the very same representatives. Aside from Kerkez, the other major name on Lian's client roster is Federico Chiesa.
While this clearly would not be a decisive factor one way or another, transfers are so often a game of relationships. If nothing else, the open line of communication could grease the wheels for a deal to bring Kerkez to Liverpool.
First, though, Liverpool must decide if Kerkez is the number one transfer target at left-back. He is just one of a number of names — and with the Reds potentially entering the market as champions, they can afford to be picky.
