Manchester United have reportedly moved ahead of rivals Liverpool in the race to sign a Premier League star.
United and Liverpool have had very different starts to the 24/25 season, with the Red Devils struggling to perform while the Merseysiders are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League.
Dutchman Erik ten Hag was sacked and replaced by Ruben Amorim in October as United look to reignite their campaign.
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Meanwhile, Arne Slot has enjoyed a stellar start to life as Liverpool's new head coach after taking over from Jurgen Klopp.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, both clubs have been linked with a move for Bournemouth's highly-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.
The Hungarian is one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League after putting in a series of impressive performances under the guidance of Andoni Iraola.
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Kerkez only joined the Cherries 18 months ago, in a deal worth a reported fee of £15.5 million from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar.
United are reportedly targeting a new left-back due to ongoing injury concerns surrounding Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to be looking at signing a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.
Manchester United's 'secret weapon' to beat Liverpool for Milos Kerkez
As reported by Team Talk, Kerkez is 'more likely' to move to Old Trafford due to 'personal connections to United through family', which could prove to be the secret weapon the Red Devils need to beat Liverpool.
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Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said on the Men in Blazers podcast: "For Milos Kerkez, I think keep an eye on Manchester United, because Man United are also looking at that position.
"Man United, I’m told, are more concrete than Liverpool in this monitoring activity for Milos Kerkez."
It has been suggested that Liverpool are at growing risk of missing out on Kerkez and reportedly have Fulham's Antonee Robinson and Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri on their list of potential targets.
United are back in Premier League action on Boxing Day as they take on Wolves before Liverpool host Leicester City at Anfield in the night match.
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Bournemouth, Premier League, Football
Marcus Chan