While much of the current focus is on their record-breaking £100 million-plus bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, the club is also actively working to finalise a deal for Kerkez. Sporting director Richard Hughes is believed to be leading discussions regarding the Bournemouth left-back, with a fee in the region of £45 million ($61m) being discussed.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Kerkez is viewed as a long-term successor for Andy Robertson, who has anchored Liverpool’s left flank for several seasons. He enjoyed a stellar campaign under Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, having started all 38 of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures last season, contributing two goals and six assists.
WHAT KLUIVERT SAID
Speaking on international duty with the Netherlands, Kluivert revealed to : "He'll probably go there. I hope so for him. He hasn't really said goodbye yet, but I hope he'll make it happen there."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Recognising that Kerkez’s departure is increasingly likely, Bournemouth have already begun planning for life without their first-choice left-back. According to reports, the Cherries are preparing a £14.4m ($19.5m) bid for Rennes defender Adrien Truffert as a direct replacement.