Marco Silva clarifies Antonee Robinson stance as Liverpool's Milos Kerkez 'interest' explained

Fulham manager Marco Silva was reluctant to heap too much praise on Antonee Robinson after his impressive performance in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Liverpool as the January transfer window is just around the corner.

Former Everton trainee Robinson, 27, impressed for the second consecutive season at Anfield as he assisted goals for Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz either side of half time.

But despite being tied down to a contract at Craven Cottage until 2028, performances like those of Saturday afternoon have resulted in the United States international often being linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

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Speaking in his post-match press conference at Anfield, Silva insisted Robinson is one of the best in his position in the Premier League but admitted he is aware that too much praise could attract interest from other clubs in next month's transfer window.

“You are asking a Fulham manager but of course I am going to say yes," replied Silva when asked if Robinson was one of the Premier League's best left-backs. "I don’t want to talk too much about him because I know in January the same story is going to follow about Robinson. I don’t want to go in that direction.

"He’s really focused in the way he plays, so let’s keep him like that. It’s crucial for us. If he’s the best or not, that’s not for me to decide, my players are always the best!”

Silva, who first crossed paths with Robinson during their shared time at Goodison Park, added: “Even when I arrived at Fulham four seasons ago, the way he has improved off the ball has been exceptional.

"If you create the right areas for him, he is going to be decisive going forward. Going up and down is not easy for any winger to follow him the way he plays, but also he has improved in his defensive set-up. He’s open-minded to learn and is a player who is always ready for us because he’s a great athlete.”

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Liverpool are unlikely to make a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez in next month's window.

Like Robinson, Hungary international Kerkez has been linked with a move to Anfield in recent months, with Andy Robertson's recent struggles - and Kostas Tsimikas' injury lay-off - raising the question as to whether the Reds need to strengthen in that particular department.

However, journalist David Lynch has cooled speculation that Kerkez could swap Bournemouth for Liverpool as soon as next month.

Lynch suggested that reports Liverpool are ready to pull the trigger on a move for the 21-year-old are wide of the mark, adding he would be "surprised" if the player was to move to Anfield in the New Year.

Kerkez joined the Cherries from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and has since made over 40 appearances for Andoni Iraola's side.