Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, with Los Blancos preparing to battle a number of clubs for his signature during this summer's transfer window.
Kerkez has been in excellent form for Bournemouth during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring twice and providing four assists in 27 Premier League appearances, while he has also featured on three occasions in the FA Cup this term.
The 21-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with Liverpool thought to be at the head of the queue for his signature, as the Reds bid to sign a new left-back this summer.
Manchester United are also still said to be keen despite signing Patrick Dorgu in January, as the Denmark international made his debut for the Red Devils as a right-sided wing-back.
According to Fichajes, there is also firm interest from Real Madrid, with Los Blancos closely monitoring his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, and a switch to Bernabeu this summer is now allegedly regarded as a genuine possibility.
© Imago
Real Madrid 'join the race' for Bournemouth star Kerkez
The report claims that Bournemouth will not listen to offers of under £33m, but in reality, Kerkez's asking price is likely to be higher considering his development during the current season.
The Hungary international made the move to Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023, and he has represented the Cherries on 63 occasions in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering five assists in the process.
Kerkez recently dropped a hint over his future in an interview with The Guardian, claiming that he is aiming to reach "the top level".
"I believe I can make it at the top level of football," said the Hungarian.
© Imago
Do Real Madrid need to bring in a left-back?
Fran Garcia has actually played more times than Ferland Mendy at left-back this season, with the former on 30 appearances for the campaign, while the latter is on 27, although he has had injury problems.
There is uncertainty when it comes to the futures of both players, and it is understood that left-back is an area which the club are planning to boost during this summer's transfer window.
Mendy recently signed a contract extension at Bernabeu, with his deal now due to run until June 2028, but Garcia could be on his way out of the club this summer in order to become a regular starter elsewhere.
Kerkez is regarded as one of the best young full-backs in world football, and it would not be a surprise to see him make the move to the European and Spanish champions during this summer's transfer window.
First, though, he could be a part of a historic campaign for Bournemouth, with the Cherries through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and currently sitting seventh in the Premier League table, just four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
Matt Law
