Liverpool transfer for Milos Kerkez hits snag as Bournemouth doubts emerge

Bournemouth have reportedly identified Marseille left-back Quentin Merlin as a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez. Liverpool are currently leading the race for the Hungarian, who is also on the radar of Manchester City and Real Madrid, with talks underway for a transfer that could cost the Reds up to £45million.

The Cherries are eager to bring Merlin to the Vitality Stadium, but the player has reservations about the move after helping Marseille secure a Champions League spot, according to the Mirror. The 23-year-old is due to represent France in the U21 European Championships in Slovakia this summer and is not considering a club switch at present.

Andoni Iraola's team do have other targets in mind, with Bournemouth's president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, already making enquiries about Real Madrid's Fran Garcia and Wolves' Hugo Bueno, who has spent the season on loan at Feyenoord.

Marseille are open to letting Merlin go for the right price, although a deal seems unlikely at this stage. Adrien Truffert of Stade Rennes has also been scouted.