Exclusive: Liverpool line-up DREAM left-back transfer

One of the biggest objectives for Richard Hughes this summer is signing a left-back.

It's clear that this is an area Liverpool want to upgrade. Andy Robertson has been an outstanding servant for the Reds but his time at the very top level of the game is nearing an end.

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At 31-years-old, Robertson is entering the twilight of his career. Liverpool intend to plan ahead and secure the club's heir to the Scotsman's throne.

One of the top targets identified by Liverpool is Milos Kerkez. Anfield Watch were the first to exclusively reveal before anyone else that Kerkez's representatives held talks with the club over a potential move all the way back in October of last year.

Kerkez remains a top priority for Liverpool. He's the number one candidate Hughes wants to bring to Anfield, after having already secured his services when he signed him for Bournemouth back in 2023.

But the Hungarian international is a sought-after property. Anfield Watch understands Manchester City and Chelsea are both huge admirers of Kerkez. Manchester United have shown interest in him in the past.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have now also started to explore the possibility of signing the Bournemouth defender.

In light of the increased interest, the Cherries are unwilling to allow Kerkez to leave for anything under £45m. A fee that may prove to be an obstacle for Liverpool, given the club also plan on bolstering the squad in other areas this summer.

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That is why Liverpool have identified several potential alternative candidates in the event that they do miss out on Kerkez.

Why Liverpool want Maxim De Cuyper

Anfield Watch can exclusively reveal one of the potential candidates high up on Liverpool's radar is Belgian international Maxim De Cuyper.

Liverpool have been extensively scouting De Cuyper for over 12 months and view him as an ideal option.

The 24-year-old has particularly caught the eye with his performances in the Champions League. De Cuyper covered the second most distances for Club Brugge at the tournament (132km) which is a statistics that has particularly stood out to the club's scouts.

Slot's system requires a lot of off the ball work and De Cuyper is seen as a profile who would be able to fulfil those requirements and who the Dutchman would come to love having in his team.

This season, he has been playing as a left-back in a back four for the Belgian side, and his performances playing in that role have convinced the club's scouts he could be a genuine option for Liverpool.

He caught the eye most notably in the Champions League, winning 10/11 defensive duels against Manchester City. He also won the most duels (10) and the most tackles (3) against Aston Villa in the first leg of Club Brugge's Champions League tie against the Premier League side.

De Cuyper is viewed as a much cheaper alternative to Kerkez and someone who could provide competition to Robertson, before taking over the reins as Liverpool's first choice left-back in the future.

Among the other qualities Liverpool admire is his versatility, with De Cuyper capable of playing as a right-back as well. Something that could come in handy given Liverpool could be in the market for a right-back as well this summer if Trent Alexander-Arnold departs.

In this sense, De Cuyper could be seen as a dream two-in-one move for the Reds.

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No move has been made for De Cuyper just yet, but he's high on the list of options Liverpool are considering ahead of the summer window.