Man Utd take pole position from Liverpool to sign Bournemouth star in January

Manchester United has been given a major boost in their pursuit of Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez as Liverpool have fallen behind in the transfer race.

Both Man Utd and Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back/left wing-back.

Ruben Amorim has requested that United find a more reliable option than Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, given their recent injury troubles, while Liverpool are looking for a successor to Andy Robertson.

According to the latest reports, Kerkez is now more likely to join United than Liverpool in 2025. The full-back has personal connections to United through family, which is expected to be a key factor in his decision.

Fabrizio Romano has provided this update and it is claimed that United are more concrete in their pursuit of Kerkez than Liverpool, setting up a potential move to Old Trafford.

Romano also adds that while Liverpool admire Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, they would prefer to sign a younger player than the 27-year-old USMNT star.

Kerkez, at 21, is an ideal option, though Liverpool are at risk of missing out on him.

Amorim would be delighted if United were able to sign Kerkez in January. The Hungary international would likely thrive as an attacking wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.

Amorim is well aware of Kerkez’s considerable talent after he helped Bournemouth secure a stunning 3-0 win over United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Kerkez is a key part of Bournemouth’s exciting project under Andoni Iraola, meaning he will not come cheaply.

However, it is important to note that all of Bournemouth’s key players will likely have a price when bigger clubs come calling.

Bournemouth are hoping to receive at least £40 million (€48.2 million / $50.1 million) before selling Kerkez.

The club would ideally prefer to keep the player for the entire season, though this depends on how aggressively United pursue him during the January transfer window.

If Liverpool miss out on Kerkez and decide against pursuing Robinson, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri could emerge as a viable alternative.

The 23-year-old already has plenty of top-flight experience and is known for his attacking prowess.

Meanwhile, a report has shed light on why United were best placed to sign Lionel Messi in his prime.

According to The Athletic, Messi was “charmed” by England’s most historic clubs, especially United, which could have led him to push for a move to Old Trafford over the riches of Manchester City, had he ever chosen to play in the Premier League.

One forward currently on United’s radar is Randal Kolo Muani, who looks set to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

However, journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that United do not expect to sign the striker in January. Instead, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly circling the Frenchman ahead of potential loan moves.