Kerkez to Man Utd? Red Devils go head-to-head with Liverpool in transfer battle: Whisper+verdict

Latest developments

• Manchester United are interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
• The news comes just a day after Liverpool were lining-up a £50 million bid.
• The Hungarian is out-of-contract at the end of the season.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (2.5/5): United reported to only be monitoring

Liverpool were expected to be the future destination for Milos Kerkez, as The Mirror reported that the Reds were set to part with £50 million to bring him from Bournemouth to Merseyside, despite his current deal expiring in the summer.

That hurry to spend big suggests that other sides were already interested, and today footballtransfers.com are claiming that one of those is Liverpool's rivals Man Utd, though they believe Ruben Amorim's men are more determined to land Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite.

Value (1.5/5): A great talent with a high asking price

There is no doubting that Kerkez has been one of the stars in the Bournemouth team that has already put Arsenal and Man City to the sword this season, winning many admirers as he bombs forward down the left wing.

But, if United are going to have to at least match the reported £50 million, all for a playing out of contract six months later, they might be better holding off for the time being.

Suitability (4/5): Kerkez suitable for any Premier League outfit

It seems a bit silly to question whether one of the best players in the team 12th in the Premier League is capable of doing a job for the team in 13th, but the step up from Bournemouth to United is still a big one.

The Serbia-born Hungary international, in fact, looks tailor-made for any side that wants to play direct football with the width of the pitch. However, if Ruben Amorim continues with a 3-4-3 system, Kerkez may be forced to play higher than he does at the Vitality Stadium.

Upgrade? (4/5): Left-back not a healthy position at Old Trafford

Luke Shaw's continual injury problems and Tyrell Malacia's apparent disappearance make the left-back spot one that United need to improve upon. Kerkez looks capable of usurping the pair and making the position his own, though again the question of Amorim's chosen formation adds some doubt.

Logic (2/5): Liverpool can offer much more

Other than the chance to play in front of 75,000 every week instead of 11,000, there is not too much more that Man Utd can offer compared to Bournemouth.

At Liverpool, on the other hand, Kerkez will not only be guaranteed to be joining a team that plays a back four, but he can challenge for European honours while preparing to take the position long-term from Andy Robertson.

Whisper+ verdict: 14/25

United may be in need of a left-back, but tying down a centre-back of Branthwaite's calibre will be a better use of funds in January. It really doesn't seem worth going head-to-head with the Reds on this one.

We gave Kerkez to Liverpool a much higher rating, and Anfield looks to be a much better option for the Hungarian right now.