Dominik Szoboszlai reveals his advice to Milos Kerkez amid Liverpool transfer links

At one point this season, it looked like Arne Slot's side were in trouble at left-back. It was clear that a new player needed to be brought in for the long term.

In recent weeks, Liverpool's defensive personnel have been better in their performances, but make no mistake, left-back is still a position in dire need of recruitment.

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While the club decided against making any transfer moves in January, all signs are pointing to a blockbuster summer transfer window so that Arne Slot can finally have the opportunity to bring in some of 'his' players and the weaknesses in the squad can be addressed.

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As such, in preparation for when the time is right, a catalogue of potential left-back signings is growing. Jorrel Hato from Ajax as a multi-positional player, Antonee Robinson at Fulham and Girona's Miguel Gutierrez, each currently linked with a move.

However, Anfield Watch understands that the Hungarian left-back Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth is top of the list and his fellow countryman at Liverpool - Dominik Szoboszlai - is trying to convince him of a move.

Szoboszlai keeping ties on Kerkez

Liverpool's midfield starlet has found the brunt of his workload difficult to manage since he joined that club. Be it making attacking runs or helping out in defence, the Reds No8 is everywhere on the pitch.

And while managing the expectations of fans in terms of goal returns, he continually makes sure he leaves his heart and soul out on the pitch, working tirelessly on and off the ball. It's why he is such a popular player at the club.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Hungarian news outlet Nemzeti Sport, he said: "It is inherently complex to play as a midfielder, especially when you play for Liverpool. You have to have expectations of yourself, because you have to stay in the team, even if there are more people competing for your place.

"I have to give my all in every game, whether it's attacking, goals or assists. "I think in the first half of the season I was more able to stand out with my pressing and running, but now the goals are starting to come, and there are solutions that I didn't have before. There was a turning point, and I think I'm on the right track now."

As such, the attacking midfielder now knows exactly what it means to play for Liverpool and how hard you have to work to succeed in a red shirt, playing in front of the Anfield crowds every other week.

In Milos Kerkez, Liverpool sees a player who has fight and desire in bucketloads and overall defensive and attacking ability is high, while there is still room for improvement.

With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, things are just a little bit sluggish and not quite as sharp as they used to be - as you would expect because they are getting older - so Kerkez would be a natural replacement for either of them to improve the squad straight away.

Kerkez has previously stated on a live-stream that he is not joining Liverpool and to many fans that may be confirmation that the club should look elsewhere.

But Richard Hughes' connection with Bournemouth is strong and Szoboszlai is constantly keeping tabs on the young full-back, so there may still be some promise yet.

He added: "We're doing really well, off the field too, so I'm trying to pay attention to him because he needs a little attention, poor guy... He's a very bad opponent, I told him that he can slip up against anyone, but not me, because we both need each other in the national team."

As Hungary's captain, it might just be a case of him checking his teammate is doing okay, but the stronger that relationship becomes, the more plausible it could seem that the pair play for the same club as well as the same country.

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Of course, Liverpool will weigh up their options in the summer and if Kerkez doesn't want to move, then the club will focus their efforts elsewhere. But a lot can change in six months and a move to a potential Premier League-winning team might prove to be an attractive proposition.

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Liverpool next game and how to watch live

Liverpool’s game against Wolves will kick-off at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 16th February.

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