Liverpool are set to announce their first summer signing in Jeremie Frimpong, with Milos Kerkez next up for the Reds.

The AFC Bournemouth defender has been one of the breakout stars in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool now at work to sign Kerkez as the Anfield side look to overhaul their fullback options going into the new campaign.

With Frimpong having his Liverpool medical today, Arne Slot’s transfer team are putting in a lot of early work to ensure that as much business is completed before the start of pre-season, with the Merseyside giants keen to go one better than their success from this year.

And Liverpool appear to have all bases covered should a move for Kerkez somehow collapse in the coming weeks.

Liverpool player ratings vs Brighton: 5/10 duo fail audition as champions lose late on	'The desired target': Which player Liverpool have now identified as their dream no. 10 signing - journalist	Liverpool will cheer on Everton as they pursue Premier League star, while Reds close in on Jeremie Frimpong and eye Milos Kerkez

READ MORE: Arne Slot has already given his verdict on Milos Kerkez ‘threat’ as Liverpool make transfer approach to Bournemouth

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According to Florian Plettenberg, Jorrel Hato is on Liverpool’s list of potential targets if a move for Kerkez collapses this summer, with the Netherlands international long linked with a move to Anfield.

Plettenberg wrote: “Milos Kerkez is high on Liverpool’s list, as they are determined to bring him in as their new left-back.

Liverpool are now in contact with Bournemouth, as first reported by Nico Schira.

Been told if a deal for Kerkez doesn’t go through, Jorrel Hato (19, Ajax) is another name on Liverpool’s list.”

Hato is already viewed as an alternative to Dean Huijsen with the Bournemouth centre-back set to join Real Madrid despite strong interest from Liverpool, with the Reds now viewing the Ajax defender as an option if Kerkez does not join.

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With Hato capable of playing at centre-back and at left-back, the 19-year-old should already be a player who Liverpool must consider signing, and this update regarding Kerkez could hint towards a move in the coming weeks, regardless of whether the Hungarian joins or not.

Liverpool have moved fast to find their long-term replacements for Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Kerkez and Frimpong, with Conor Brafley also signing a new deal with the Reds to further future-proof the fullback position.

Yet even if Liverpool end up signing Kerkez, Hato must be targeted by the Reds given how good a defensive option the teenager could end up being for Slot in the years to come, based on his versatility.

Indeed, being able to play centre-back and left-back is a huge selling point for Hato, and if Liverpool can bring in the Dutch youngster, the Reds’ defensive ranks will be as good as they have been in years.