Liverpool set to beat Man Utd and Man City to signing of breakout Premier League defender who 'favours a move to Anfield'

Liverpool are set to beat Manchester United and Manchester City in the race to sign one of the Premier League's most in-demand players, according to a new report.

In the aftermath of Tuesday night's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth, Liverpool boss Arne Slot offered a defiant response when asked about potential reinforcements in the January transfer window.

"I think you saw today again that I can still strengthen the team or impact the game with the substitutes I have on the bench," he said. "Not for the first time this season, these players have helped us, that I could bring in."

Still, Liverpool have been linked with several players in recent weeks, including Greece youth international forward Stefanos Tzimas.

Tzimas has recorded eight goals and two assists for 2. Bundesliga side FC Nurnberg this season and Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg claims a phone call between Liverpool and Nurnberg has taken place.

Other names linked with a move to Anfield include Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush, who looks more likely to be heading to Manchester City.

But it appears the Reds are leading the race to sign highly-rated Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez after it was suggested that the Hungary international 'favours a move' to Anfield.

A report from The i Paper claims three Premier League clubs – Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool – have already started to make contact with the player’s representatives.

But it appears the man who brought Kerkez to England holds the key to making a deal happen.

Liverpool's director of football Richard Hughes, who worked at Bournemouth when Kerkez walked through the doors at the Vitality, is understood to play 'a major part' in the player's thinking – and Kerkez 'favours' a move to Anfield as a result.

Bournemouth are willing to do business around the £50 million mark but they have no plans to sell in January, despite their decision to sign left-back Julio Soler from Argentinian outfit Lanus.

Liverpool have been linked with several players in January. Image credit: Getty

Jamie Carragher is a big fan of Kerkez and believes Liverpool have an advantage over rival clubs because of sporting director Richard Hughes.

"We've just spoken about Liverpool's left-back situation and the fact Andy Robertson needs help," Carragher said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football earlier this season. "Now listen, he's been a revelation at Bournemouth.

"The only reason why I mention Liverpool is that fact that, yes they are probably looking for someone in that position, but also because the sporting director who brought him to Bournemouth is now the sporting director at Liverpool.

"He's aggressive, he's got pace. Even when you look at him he looks like a full-back, small, really aggressive and after wingers on that side. He's been superb since he's come into the Premier League for Bournemouth and it's one to watch for the future whether he stays or leaves."

Kerkez has been one of Bournemouth's standout performers this season in his 21 league appearances.