Man Utd are interested in Milos Kerkez. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have shown a genuine interest in completing a deal for AFC Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez this summer, according to reports. The young left-back endured a nightmare Euro 2024 with Hungary, but he impressed in his debut Premier League season and has emerged as one of Erik ten Hag's targets.
Bournemouth signed Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar for a fee in the region of £15million last summer, tying him down to a "long-term contract".
He made 33 appearances in all competitions throughout his maiden campaign in English football, 28 of them in the Premier League.
And the 20-year-old's performances and potential is believed to have turned the heads of United's new-look recruitment team under the INEOS banner.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils' interest is genuine, and Kerkez is among the club's options as they plan to strengthen the left side of Ten Hag's defence.
Romano adds that INEOS are currently assessing the market before making any decisions, but Kerkez is in the frame for a blockbuster switch.
United reportedly want to recruit at least one new centre-back, central midfielder and striker to Ten Hag's squad before his third season in charge.
But the report claims that they are also keen to add another left-back to his ranks after an injury-stricken year in the position.
Milos Kerkez joined Bournemouth last summer. (Image: Getty)
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United didn't have a natural left-back for most of the 2023/24 season, calling on players including Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat to provide cover.
Luke Shaw's injury problems resurfaced, limiting him to just 15 appearances in all competitions. He has been out of action since February, also serving as a blow for England at Euro 2024.
Tyrell Malacia suffered a pre-season injury that, after two surgeries, kept him sidelined for the entirety of the campaign. Kerkez would likely arrive as the 24-year-old Dutchman's replacement.
The Hungary international started all three of his nation's Euro 2024 Group A games against Switzerland, Germany and Scotland.
But he was named alongside Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund in the tournament's worst team of the group stage, using data from the popular football app Sofascore.
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There can be no doubts about his potential, though, and Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola praised his progress in March.
"He [Kerkez] has been playing a lot of minutes, for someone of his age, because he is really young," he explained.
"He has had just one injury, which was quite a big injury, but he has recovered and is playing the minutes. It is part of his evolution as a player. He is very young.
"He has come to the Premier League in an age that normally you don't have a chance. I think he is doing well.
"He is now starting more games, without Lloyd [Kelly], but he has to continue his learning process because he is still very young."
