Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool are negotiating with Bournemouth over a transfer for left-back Milos Kerkez, Rousing The Kop understands.

The Reds have been on the lookout for a new player to provide competition for Andy Robertson, and have now installed Kerkez as their preferred option.

Contact has been made with Bournemouth about a transfer, with personal terms not understood to be an issue.

Arne Slot has already given his verdict on Milos Kerkez ‘threat’ as Liverpool make transfer approach to Bournemouth	Liverpool makes its move for Milos Kerkez as FSG not messing around in transfer market	Milos Kerkez 'likes' Liverpool transfer update amid rumors he could sign for Arne Slot

Unlike former teammate Dean Huijsen, there is no release clause in Kerkez’s contract, meaning a fee will need to be agreed between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

The Reds are understood to value Kerkez at around £40m, while Bournemouth are hoping for a deal closer to the £50m Huijsen was sold for.

With Kerkez having set his heart on a move to Anfield, negotiations between the two clubs are the last major stumbling block before a transfer can be completed.

Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Kerkez has been ever-present for Bournemouth this season, starting all 36 of their Premier League matches.

And while the Hungarian has caught the eye with some explosive attacking play, RTK understands that his defensive robustness is what has most impressed Arne Slot.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Liverpool are looking for greater defensive stability from their full-backs next season and Kerkez is seen as being an ideal candidate to provide that.

As negotiations get underway between Liverpool and Bournemouth, sources have indicated that there does remain a gap in the respective clubs valuations.

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

However, with Richard Hughes leading talks for Liverpool, the deal is expected to proceed smoothly.

As a result, it is expected that an agreement will eventually be struck that suits all parties.

Early indications suggest a deal could be completed shortly after the Premier League season ends on Sunday.

Kerkez is understood to be giving priority to Liverpool this summer having decided that a move to Anfield is his preferred choice.

There has been plenty of interest in the 21-year-old from across Europe after a meteoric rise at Bournemouth.

Real Madrid are understood to have been considering Kerkez to bolster their left-back options, with the Spanish giants having already secured the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.

However, Los Blancos are not planning to get involved in Liverpool’s negotiations for Kerkez as things stand, having identified Benfica’s Alvaro Carreras as their priority target.

Kerkez’s expected arrival at Liverpool is also set to bring an end to Kostas Tsimikas‘ stay on Merseyside, with the Reds highly unlikely to begin the campaign with three left-backs on board.