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Leicester line up transfer for former Milan full-back as Bournemouth look to muscle in on deal

Milos Kerkez of AC Milan during the athletic warm-up of the Primavera 1 TIM match between AC Milan U19 and SPAL U19 at Centro Sportivo Vismara on January 30, 2021 in Milan, Italy

Milos Kerkez is to sign for Bournemouth

Leicester City and Bournemouth are both lining up January moves for Hungary defender Milos Kerkez, TEAMtalk can reveal.

AZ Alkmaar left-back Kerkez is regarded as one of the best young full-backs in Europe after impressing for club and country in the last 12 months.

The 19-year-joined AZ from AC Milan last January and he has quickly established himself as a big fans’ favourite with the Dutch club. Kerkez is a modern-day full-back who is equally adept at going forward as well as defending. Indeed, he has scored three goals and provided six assists in 28 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

The chase for his services is being led by Leicester, with TEAMtalk able to reveal the Foxes’ admiration. Brendan Rodgers’ options at left-back have been restricted this season following an injury to James Justin.

The unfortunate defender is likely to miss the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles.

Indeed, they have played Luke Thomas there on occasions, while Timothy Castagne is another able to cover there. But with Justin injured, Castange has been used at right-back, leaving room for another addition.

However, Bournemouth are also keen on Kerkez and we understand they too have been keeping tabs on his services. The Cherries are prepared to back Gary O’Neil with around £40m as they look to retain their Premier League status.

As such, the Premier League duo have made regular checks on the four-times capped Hungary international. And we understand the pair are  ready to firm up their interest with offers this month.

AZ are aware of the growing interest in the Serbia-born star and would find it hard to reject a sizeable offer for the teenager.

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