Liverpool's left-back search narrows to just TWO names

It’s no secret that Liverpool have got a plan to replace Andy Robertson in the upcoming transfer windows.

The Reds have been linked with a plethora of left-backs over the last year or so but on the basis of the latest reports there are some that can now be definitively ruled out.

Liverpool Transfer News Today: Reds prepare RECORD bid as star is READY to join

That’s because Liverpool have narrowed their shortlist to just TWO players ahead of the summer transfer window.

So although the likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves and Fulham's Antonee Robinson have been associated with Anfield moves, it doesn’t appear that they currently figure in the Reds’ thinking.

READ MORE: Forget Alexander Isak, Richard Hughes will sign GIANT €40m forward instead

Sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are considering improvements at left-back due to Scotland international Robertson turning 31 and being given more games off this season.

He hasn’t always been at his brilliant best, affording reserve left-back Kostas Tsimikas some game-time in the position.

Kerkez and Hato on Liverpool's list

But the Greek’s long-term prospects don’t appear all too promising with the identity of Liverpool’s two left-back candidates to ‘push’ Robertson being revealed by The i Paper.

Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth defender, could be available for £45 million should the Cherries allow him to leave this summer.

That he is on Liverpool’s final shortlist is no surprise, given persistent rumours linking him to Anfield and a well-established relationship with Dominik Szoboszlai.

READ MORE: FSG's Malaga plan FINALLY hands Liverpool the transfers of their dreams

The other name in Liverpool’s thinking is Ajax prodigy Jorrel Hato, who at 19 looks like one of the coming forces of Dutch football for the decade ahead.

Intriguingly, The i Paper also mentions two OTHER players who figured in Liverpool’s thinking but who are now off the menu.

Liverpool wanted Mendes and Davies

Nuno Mendes, the 22-year-old Paris Saint-Germain left-back who excelled in two legs against the Reds in the Champions League, had previously been on the list but has recently signed a new contract.

Likewise, Alphonso Davies could well have been available on a free transfer this summer but has also put pen to paper on a new deal at Bayern Munich. Moreover, the 24-year-old recently suffered a bad ACL injury on international duty with Canada and his return date is uncertain.

“The Reds have been working through a three-man shortlist for a player to push Andy Robertson at left-back," the report reads. "Nuno Mendes, of Paris Saint-Germain, joined Bayern Munich‘s Alphonso Davies in signing a new contract which leaves Kerkez as the last man standing.

“But The i Paper has been told they also retain admiration for Ajax‘s Jorrel Hato.”

READ MORE: Real Madrid to commit £90m MISTAKE that Liverpool can pounce on

So next season Robertson is likely to have stiff competition in the left-back slot in the form of either Kerkez or Hato, who can also play centre-back.