Man Utd and Liverpool set to do battle to sign Premier League star in January as transfer approach made

Manchester United and Liverpool will reportedly do battle to sign a fellow Premier League star during the January transfer window.

The two sides have had wildly differing starts to the 2024/25 campaign, with Liverpool five points clear at the top - having lost just once under Arne Slot - and United down in 13th.

United will hope their fortunes change quickly after the appointment of Ruben Amorim, who will take charge of his first game against Ipswich Town next Sunday.

The 39-year-old needs to quickly get down to work to ensure his squad can adapt to his preferred 3-4-3 system, but he will likely need to dip into the transfer market to make more significant changes.

How much he can spend in January is unclear, as The Athletic report that United are close to the limit on FFP due to the compensation paid to the sacked Erik ten Hag and the appointment of Amorim and his former Sporting coaching staff. But player sales could create a margin for Amorim to spend money.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are in a far stronger position as they only spent around £40 million in the summer on the signings of Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili, and were pursuing Martin Zubimendi for around £50 million.

Now, according to Relevo - who reported first on Liverpool moves for Zubimendi and Mamardashvili in the summer - the Reds have turned their attentions towards bolstering the left-back position. And they have been joined by United.

Both clubs are said to have made initial enquiries for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, who has developed in leaps and bounds under the stewardship of Andoni Iraola at Dean Court.

Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez battles for the ball with Man City's Kyle Walker (Image: Getty)

The 21-year-old Hungary international has started all of the Cherries' Premier League matches this season, and provided two assists in their recent 2-1 win over Manchester City.

He signed for Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5 million in the summer of 2023, having previously played for AC Milan but failing to make a first team appearance.

United have significant concerns at left-back, with Tyrell Malacia still recovering from an injury he originally suffered in the summer of 2023 and Luke Shaw having suffered a string of injuries over recent years.

Kerkez could provide United with a fresh attacking option, while he would compete at Liverpool with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for a place in the team.