Bournemouth could be preparing for life without Milos Kerkez after it was reported that the Cherries are in negotiations to sign a new left-back during the January transfer window.

Kerkez, 21, has emerged as one of the best young full-backs in the Premier League, prompting links with a host of top clubs. Liverpool is the club he has most closely been linked with, with Arne Slot reportedly keen to sign to sign a new left-back to give Andy Robertson some competition.

Robertson turned 30 earlier this year and fellow Reds left-back Kostas Tsimikas will turn 30 next season, so it is logical for the club to be planning for the future in that area of the pitch.

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South American journalist Uriel Iugt reports that Bournemouth could sign 19-year-old Lanus left-back Julio Soler next month, and Soler's prospective arrival on the South Coast could open the door for the Reds to sign Kerkez going into the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool has been tipped to launch a 'titanic' bid for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto if Trent Alexander-Arnold ends up joining Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool beyond the end of this season remains uncertain, and the Reds are wisely putting plans in place for if he leaves.

It is reported that Liverpool admires the Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong, but that club does not feel as though he suits Slot's playing style.

Gusto is among the players Liverpool has reportedly identified as possible replacements for Alexander-Arnold, along with Amar Dedic of RB Salzburg, Vanderson of Monaco and Lutsharel Geertruida of RB Leipzig.

Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, has not had much to say about where he wants to be playing next season and beyond, and said in September that he had no intention of letting negotiations over an extension with Liverpool play out in public.

"I want to be a Liverpool player this season [as a minimum] is what I will say," the 26-year-old said. "I have been at the club 20 years now. I have signed four or five contract extensions and none of those have been played out in public - and this one won't be either."