Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly “scrambling” to resolve a number of “unresolved issues” as a deal to sign Milos Kerkez is momentarily paused as these issues are ironed out.
Andy Robertson has also made a powerful statement regarding his ambition to fight for his place in the starting XI and the value he believes he can still provide for the Reds.
While Kostas Tsimikas is likely to be sold this summer to make way for Kerkez’s arrival, Robbo will remain to compete for game time and a place in Arne Slot’s team.
Yet, it’s not plain sailing at the moment as Liverpool are still falling short of Bournemouth’s asking price, according to reports.
Bournemouth are standing firm on £45m asking price as Richard Hughes scrambles to appease the Cherries
Liverpool are by no means at immediate risk of losing their opportunity to sign Kerkez – who by all signs appears to be desperate to join the Reds – but iNews reports that they are still short of Bournemouth’s expectations.
The i reports that Lioverpool’s plan to get a deal done for Kerkez as soon as possible is now being delayed because Bournemouth rightly refuse to budge on their £45m valuation of the left-back.
It’s quite far given he was named in the Premier League Team of the Season at 21, is also on the radar of the likes of Man City and guarantees stability at left-back for at least six to eight years if he fulfills his potential.
The i claim that there is still “optimisim that a deal will be reached” but “there remain a number of issues with the deal still to be resolved before an agreement that suits all parties can be reached.”
Finally, the report says: “Those close to Kerkez still believe a deal will be brokered and it is only a matter of time before the transfer is concluded but there’s a determination at the Bournemouth end to drive a hard bargain for the full-back, who they have consistently rated at the £45m mark.”
Andy Robertson bullish as he refuses to be intimidated by Liverpool upgrading at left-back
Robbo is now 31 and after this season, is showing signs of being increasingly prone to making errors. Liverpool have correctly identified the need for an upgrade as Tsimikas similarly failed to impress Slot.
Liverpool will keep Robertson and sell Tsimikas but the former is ready to compete for a spot in the starting XI.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of international games with Scotland, the former Hull City fullback said: “We’re not daft, it looks as if a deal could potentially be done [for Kerkez].
“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, 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.”
Quotes continued: “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. I can’t tell you how I’ll feel at 33 or 34, but I can tell you, at 31, I feel excellent.
“I’ve been fit for every game, I’ve not missed a training session and that’s not a sign of someone who is slowing down.
“I’ve got a year left at Liverpool, I’m looking forward to a switch off, I’m looking forward to a holiday and then I’ll look forward to pre-season. What the future holds after that? I’ve not given it too much thought.”
Fighting words from a warrior of a defender. I think I speak for every Liverpool fan when I say I hope he can back it up and continue what has been an incredible Anfield career so far.
