Potential transfer moves by Man Utd and Liverpool for Bournemouth star in initial stages

Bournemouth may have to fight to retain their key players in January following an impressive start to the Premier League campaign under Andoni Iraola.

Many tipped the Cherries to struggle after losing star striker Dominic Solanke to Tottenham in the summer but it has not panned out that way on the south coast.

Bournemouth currently sit 12th in the top-flight – above United – after recording impressive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal at the Vitality Stadium.

Bigger Premier League clubs are attempting to raid the Cherries, though, with Chelsea thought to be considering a move for their centre-back Illya Zabarnyi.

Meanwhile, United and Liverpool are hoping to snap up left-back Kerkez after both clubs made enquiries to sign the 21-year-old, Relevo have reported.

It should be noted that there are no concrete talks at this moment in time, although that could change closer to January.

Bournemouth paid around £15.5m to sign Kerkez from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in July 2023.

The Hungary international, who featured at Euro 2024 for his country, has played a total of 44 games for Bournemouth to date.

Kerkez was on the books at AC Milan earlier in his career, but did not end up making an appearance for their first team.

He produced both assists for Bournemouth in their shock 2-1 win over Premier League champions City earlier this month.

‘For me it’s very important how he closed the game because a lot of times we’ve had to sub him because he was not finishing with the same energy,’ Bournemouth boss Iraola said about Kerkez after that match.

‘I think he’s adding these small things to his game to finish strong, do your job defensively, suffer even when you are tired and the team needs you there.’