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      Mikel Arteta consulting Arsenal stars on which striker to sign as he desperately seeks firepower before deadline

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      MIKEL ARTETA is consulting his Arsenal stars on which striker to sign before the transfer window slams shut.Arsenal are desperately looking for extra firepower in the January window with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus leaving the North Londoners desperately short up top.Injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left Arsenal struggling up topCredit: PAManager Mikel Arteta is open to bringing in a new striker before the window shuts on February 3Credit: REUTERSThe Spaniard is consulting WITH his players over what type of forward to signCredit: GETTYBut with just over a week until the window shuts, Arteta appears no closer to bringing in a new face with key target Benjamin Sesko looking likely to remain at Red Bull Leipzig barring a hefty late bid.The north Londoners have also been linked with moves for Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic and Matheus Cunha.Following Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham last week, Declan Rice said: “We’re a bit short [in attack]. I’m not surprised if we are going to do something.”Asked if his players have spoken to him about new signings ahead of today’s [SAT] clash at Wolves, Arteta said: “Not like that, but we have all been there, we all look at each other.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWS“We have had very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do. “That’s why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that’s our intention.”Arteta says he “always” consults his players about potential incomings or specific individuals he is trying to bring to the club.He added: “That’s getting us away from the computer and what the data is saying. It is real. I have seen it, I sense it.Most read in SportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“A player can score a lot of goals, great. How does this player react when he hasn’t scored for six or seven games? “This is what I am interested in.Arsenal Dominates Dinamo Zagreb: Player Ratings Revealed “Watch an interview with a player who hasn’t scored for six games, and then what kind of goals does he score? “Against which teams in which context? Is it first half or second half?“Is it only with his right foot, only headers, only in open spaces? “Does he like the physical contact of this league?“So when you have a player that has spent a lot of days with [a transfer target], that is really valuable information to have.”Arteta has the backing of owners Stan and Josh Kroenke to do business this month.But key decision-makers are taking into account the impact it could have on their summer plans and future targets, as well as how it will affect the make-up of the squad.A domestic loan is off the table having already acquired back-up keeper Neto from Bournemouth and Raheem Sterling from Chelsea last summer on a season-long deal.Neto is yet to make an appearance for the club – having been cup-tied for the Carabao Cup upon his arrival – but Arteta has quashed any suggestions of cancelling one of those loans to accommodate another.Defenders Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been linked with moves away this month, the latter attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund, which could free up space and funds for a striker.RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is at the top of the Gunners’ wishlistCredit: GettyBut Arteta said: “It’s about balance as well, depending which player it is [being sold]. “If that is a player that is going to give us space or if it is going to limit us again in a certain position.“It all depends. The rules are quite tricky well. “It’s not just what you bring and what you sell, it’s actually what resources do you have available after that.”On a more positive note, Arteta could have defensive duo Myles Lewis-Skelly and William Saliba back for the trip to Molineux.Left-back Lewis-Skelly missed the Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb with a jarred knee picked up in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa – but scans have shown “nothing serious”.Centre-back Saliba has been struggling with a hamstring strain that has also kept the Frenchman out of Arsenal’s last two outings – and could be rested for next weekend’s game against Manchester City.Arteta said: “Whether it is too early or not [for them to face Wolves], we don’t know. READ MORE SUN STORIES”They will definitely be in for next week. This week, let’s see how it goes.”Right-back Ben White is also close to a return following knee surgery in November, preparing to train with the senior squad over the next week. More

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      Rangers hit by Storm Eowyn as footage shows huge part of Ibrox roof being ripped OFF and crashing to the ground

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      STORM EOWYN is causing havoc up and down the country, with gale force winds and torrential rain. And football has not been unaffected, with stadia taking some serious damage from the conditions. Footage has captured parts of the roof of Ibrox being blown away by the stormOne SPFL game has already been called off due to damage caused by the storm, and part of another club’s stadium roof has caved in from the wind.And now Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium has become the latest victim, with footage showing strips of the roof being blown clean off.More to follow.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Injuries & suspensions update ahead of Gameweek 21: Manchester United defenders among doubts

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      DREAM TEAM brings you all the latest injury, suspension and availability news for Gameweek 21 in one convenient location.Pep Guardiola has confirmed that January signings Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov will all be included in Manchester City’s squad this weekend.However, Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku will not feature against Chelsea on Saturday.As for the Blues, Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill could return but Romeo Lavia will be unavailable for a little while longer.Cole Palmer is said to be feeling “better” after playing through ankle pain against Wolves on Monday night.Marmoush is in line to make his debut for Man City this weekendCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui skipped Manchester United’s Europa League game against Rangers as a precaution after picking up a knock against Brighton last weekend.The Morocco international is the eighth-most popular defender in Dream Team at the time of writing – it’s not clear whether he’ll be involved against Fulham on Sunday night.Red Devils’ centre-backs Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt will also be assessed having been forced off on Thursday night.Rodrigo Bentancur returned for Tottenham against Hoffenheim in midway but striker Dominic Solanke will be sidelined for approximately six weeks.Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma are all considered doubts at this stage as Spurs’ injury crisis continues but Ange Postecoglou said the latter “should be right” for Leicester’s visit to North London.Most read in FootballMikel Arteta told journalists he is confident William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly will be available for Arsenal’s clash with Man City on February 2nd, the assumption being this weekend comes too soon for the pair.Mazraoui is a popular selection in Dream TeamCredit: GettyCurtis Jones won’t be involved when Liverpool welcome Ipswich to Anfield on Saturday but the midfielder may travel to PSV in midweek.Diogo Jota and Joe Gomez remain sidelined for the Reds.Both Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen have a chance of making West Ham’s squad at Villa Park on Sunday but remain doubts at this stage.David Moyes explained to reporters that Dwight McNeil will see a specialist regarding his troublesome knee injury and may even require surgery.Callum Hudson-Odoi is due to be assessed before a final decision is made ahead of Nottingham Forest’s trip to Bournemouth on Saturday – the winger has a groin issue.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWARSENALInjuries: Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Myles Lewis-Skelley (doubt), William SalibaSuspensions: NoneASTON VILLAInjuries: Pau Torres, Amadou Onana, John McGinn (doubt), Ross BarkleySuspensions: NoneBOURNEMOUTHInjuries: Luis Sinisterra, Alex Scott, Julian Araujo, Marcos Senesi, Marcus Tavernier, Adam Smith, Evanilson, Enes Unal, James HillSuspensions: NoneBRENTFORDInjuries: Aaron Hickey, Josh Dasilva, Gustavo Nunes, Ethan Pinnock, Igor ThiagoSuspensions: NoneBRIGHTONInjuries: James Milner, Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Jack Hinshelwood (doubt), Evan Ferguson (doubt), Mats Wieffer, Igor Julio, Matt O’Riley (doubt), Lewis Dunk (doubt)Suspensions: NoneCHELSEAInjuries: Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez (doubt), Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill (doubt)Suspensions: Mykhailo MudrykCRYSTAL PALACEInjuries: Matheus Franca, Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, Chadi RiadSuspensions: NoneEVERTONInjuries: Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner (doubt), Dwight McNeil, Youssef Chermiti, Armando Broja, Seamus ColemanSuspensions: NoneFULHAMInjuries: Kenny Tete, Reiss NelsonSuspensions: NoneIPSWICHInjuries: Chiedozie Ogbene, Conor Chaplin, Sammie SzmodicsSuspensions: NoneLEICESTERInjuries: Ricardo Pereira, Abdul Fatawu, Mads Hermansen, Wilfred NdidiSuspensions: NoneLIVERPOOLInjuries: Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Curtis JonesSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER CITYInjuries: Oscar Bobb, Rodri, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, Jeremy DokuSuspensions: NoneMANCHESTER UNITEDInjuries: Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof (doubt), Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Noussair Mazraoui (doubt), Matthijs de Ligt (doubt), Leny Yoro (doubt)Suspensions: NoneNEWCASTLEInjuries: Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, (doubt), Callum Wilson, Harvey BarnesSuspensions: NoneNOTTINGHAM FORESTInjuries: Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt)Suspensions: NoneSOUTHAMPTONInjuries: Ross Stewart, Juan Larios, Jack Stephens, Tyler Dibling, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Aaron Ramsdale (doubt)Suspensions: NoneTOTTENHAMInjuries: Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Wilson Odobert, Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Yves Bissouma (doubt), Dominic Solanke, Djed Spence (doubt), Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr (doubt)Suspensions: NoneWEST HAMInjuries: Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen (doubt), Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug, Crysencio Summerville (doubt)Suspensions: Konstantinos MavropanosWOLVESInjuries: Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, Boubacar Traore (doubt), Yerson Mosquera, Toti Gomes (doubt), Mario LeminaREAD MORE SUN STORIESSuspensions: None More

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      Loris Karius handed dramatic pay cut with TV presenter wife Diletta Leotta now earning more than ex-Premier League star

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      LORIS KARIUS is set to earn less than TV presenter wife Diletta Leotta at Schalke, according to reports.The former Liverpool goalkeeper, 31, is attempting to resurrect his career with the second-tier German side.Loris Karius is looking to resurrect his career with SchalkeCredit: GettyKarius, 31, is married to TV presenter Diletta LeottaThe couple have been together since 2022Credit: The Mega AgencyKarius has barely played in recent years, making just two appearances since February 2021.Remarkably, one of these outings came in Newcastle’s 2023 Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester United, while the other was in a Premier League loss to Arsenal.The German had been without a club since leaving St James’ Park earlier this season.But this month he pulled the gloves back on, signing for Schalke until the end of the season.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAccording to German paper Bild, Karius has signed, by elite football standards, a modest contract.They claim that he will receive around £125,000 between now and the end of the season, equating to approximately £5,700 a week.Schalke’s higher earners, for example, are said to pocket around £10k a week.Bild add that Karius’ wife Leotta earns around £840k a year for her presenting work, as DAZN’s lead Serie A host in Italy.Most read in BundesligaSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYLeotta recently took part in the Club World Cup draw ceremonyCredit: EPAThe Italian is DAZN’s lead Serie A presenterCredit: GettyThis means that she will pocket significantly more than Karius.Leotta is not set to move to Germany with Karius, instead staying in Milan. Glam presenter Diletta Leotta shows off underboob in tiny black dress as fans call Prem Wag ‘magnetic attraction’The former Champions League finalist is said to be living with a friend in Dusseldorf.Karius is optimistic about revitalising his career back in Germany.Upon signing, he said: “I had very good discussions with the Schalke officials and I’m looking forward to training with the team.”Schalke 04 is a big club with passionate fans, I’ve always felt that at my games in the arena.”Karius will not automatically become Schalke’s No1.He will compete with current incumbent Justin Heekeren for the position.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe former Anfield stopper has been with Leotta since 2022, with the pair welcoming their first child in August of the following year.They wed in a private ceremony in Sicily last summer.Karius and Leotta wed in Sicily last summerCredit: INSTAGRAMThe happy couple welcomed their first child in 2023Credit: The Mega AgencyLeotta shares many glam pics across her social media channelsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      West Ham technical director Tim Steidten AXED after fall-out with two managers and £127.5m splurged on transfers

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      WEST HAM are finalising the exit of technical director Tim Steidten.The German, who has clashed with two of the three Hammers managers he worked with, has been frozen out of the club’s January business.West Ham are set to axe technical director Tim SteidtenCredit: PASteidten, 45, was banned from the club’s Rush Green training ground by former boss Julen Lopetegui in December.He was also barred from the first team changing room at the London Stadium by ex-gaffer David Moyes.It would seem he fell out with both managers because he was openly working on their replacements while they were still in the dugout.Chairman David Sullivan took more control of transfer business this month after being concerned by the level of signings in the summer when £127.5million was spent with little impact.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThere have been eyebrows raised over deals for Luis Guilherme, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug.Fullkrug arrived on a four-year-deal for £27.5m from Borussia Dortmund but will miss six months of his first season at the club due to injury.Teenage winger Guilherme was signed for an initial £20m from Palmeiras but has played just 50 minutes of football for West Ham and talks have already been held over selling him to Saudi Arabia.Steidten was involved in the early stages of Graham Potter’s appointment, but vice-chair Karren Brady took charge to agreed the deal.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe ex-Chelsea boss has also moved to bring in his long-term recruitment expert, Kyle Macaulay, from Stamford Bridge.Macaulay started this week as the club’s new head of recruitment, effectively replacing Rob Newman who left that post in the summer.West Ham manager Graham Potter gives update on Michail Antonio after horror injury Potter insisted that Macaulay’s arrival would not impact Steidten’s position, but it has long been expected that the German would leave the London Stadium this year.Moyes and Steidten clashed over recruitment policy, with the Scot preferring targets with Premier League experience over the options the technical director proposed.Steidten has landed some key signings for the Hammers, including Mohammed Kudus from Ajax, but often rubbed colleagues up the wrong way by posing for pictures with new signings on private jets.While Sullivan and Brady are taking an active involvement in any deals this month, Potter will have significant influence and Macaulay’s arrival backs that up.The two have worked together since Potter’s days at Ostersunds and during his spells at Swansea, Brighton and then Chelsea.Potter said: “Kyle’s in. Kyle’s been part of my staff for the last ten, however many years I’ve been coaching since Sweden.”I know him well and he knows me well. It’s a good link between the coach and the club in terms of recruitment.”In terms of the hours and depths of conversations that you have to have around recruitment.”It’s easier to have with Kyle than it is for me because clearly I’m on the pitch and I’m working with the 20-odd players that we’ve got here.”I’m really happy with that appointment. It’s something that was always going to happen. It was just a case of when. I’m obviously delighted he’s here.”Steidten arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2023 having previously worked at Werder Bremen.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt is not clear at this stage whether West Ham will look to appoint another technical director in the near future.The Hammers have won just seven of their 22 games this season.Macaulay (right) has already taken on many of Steidten’s dutiesCredit: Getty More

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      Wrexham’s European dreams shattered by FA as Ryan Reynolds’ club BLOCKED from entering new competition

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      WREXHAM’s hopes of competing in Europe have been dashed.It comes after the Football Association blocked attempts to allow clubs playing in the English leagues to participate in the Welsh League Cup.Wrexham’s European dream has been blocked by the FA after they were denied access to playing in the Welsh League CupCredit: GettyThe new-look Welsh League Cup has been granted a Conference League qualification spot by UEFA.And the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had wanted the EFL’s Welsh clubs – Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport – to participate.However, the English FA board has rejected the proposal on the grounds it does not provide equal opportunity to other clubs in the English football pyramid.A statement from the FA said: “The FA board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.”The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.”As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.”Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA board has rejected the request.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”If accepted the move would have handed the likes of Wrexham an additional revenue stream not accessible by their English EFL rivals.Wrexham’s multi-million pound training ground funded by Ryan Reynolds The Red Dragons were the last Welsh EFL side to play in Europe via a Welsh competition, coming in 1995/96 through the Welsh Cup.Since then, only Swansea have competed on the continent after winning the English League Cup in 2013. More

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      I feared I was blind for life and panic every time I hear a noise, says Yoane Wissa after alleged acid attack

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      BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa has revealed his torment at allegedly having acid thrown in his face – insisting he could have been blinded for life.And the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer, 28, said he has been left in fear ever since.Yoane Wissa has become a fan favourite at the GtechCredit: RexA woman has gone on trial in France accused of attacking Wissa at his home in July 2021, days before he joined Brentford from Lorient for £8.5million.Named only as Laetitia P., the 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to kidnap the player’s baby daughter – as well as actually taking another woman’s baby the following day.She faces up to 30 years in jail if found guilty.The court at Vannes in Brittany heard Wissa deliver an emotional account of the alleged events.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe striker said he let the woman into his Lorient apartment after she had called round earlier that day seeking his autograph.He said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face.  I screamed and could not breathe.”My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.”At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned.  Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.Most read in Football”It has been a nightmare.  Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.”I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.I was a goalkeeper until my mum told me to move outfield – now I’m playing up front in the Premier League”It took me six months before I fully got my sight back.”Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.”The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.”I recognised the accused woman straight away.  She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.”I want justice.  Why has this happened to me?  My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.”This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.’I HAVE BECOME MORE WITHDRAWN'”He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.”After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know.”I don’t now express as much love as I used to, and when I’m walking I instinctively look behind me.”And at nights I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself.”My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.”I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history.”My wife and I have to see a psychologist, and she suffered depression. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you.”The trial continues. More

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      Milos Kerkez spends summers fishing in the woods and could be Liverpool’s biggest catch with best pal already at club

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      MILOS KERKEZ spends his summers fishing in the woods, but might just be the Premier League’s biggest catch at the end of the season.The eye-catching Bournemouth left-back has been a huge success story on the south coast and has attracted interest from Premier League leaders Liverpool.Milos Kerkez is on Liverpool’s radarCredit: GettyKerez has been a stand out full-back with Bournemouth this seasonCredit: Instagram / miloskerkezofficialThe Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean CourtCredit: RexKerkez scored the final goal of Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle at St James’ Park last weekCredit: GettyWhile the Cherries are refusing to sell to anyone this month, there is an expectation that they will bank an almighty profit on the fiery full-back they signed for £14million.Kerkez is a bundle of energy on the pitch and around his teammates.The Serbian-born defender is unlike any character they have seen at Dean Court and is often making the most noise in the dressing room.But that has not come as a surprise given that, when former club AZ Alkmaar qualified for the Europa Conference League he somehow found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFrom day one the Cherries knew they had a livewire on their hands.Kerkez’s father once revealed that his son can be a difficult character to manage, but boss Andoi Iraola has managed to harness that spirit.The 21-year-old is a constant menace with pace and energy to burn down the left – but still holds a passion for big challenges at the back.It is the ideal mix for any manager in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Kerkez’s sporting talent has been clear from an early age.Initially he wanted to be a professional swimmer before making the decision to go with football at the age of eight, playing in the streets with his two older brothers.Prince William plays football with teens – but barely gets in a touchKerkez is a big character in the Bournemouth dressing roomCredit: GettyThe full-back found a megaphone and started celebrating with the fans at AZ Alkmaar back in 2022Credit: GettyBrother Marko, three years older than Milos, plays professionally for Partizan Belgrade back in Serbia.Having decided to go with football as his pursuit, Kerkez bounced around a number of clubs in his youth.He spent time with local side Vrbas in Serbia before spells in Austria and Hungary with Rapid Vienna, Hodmezovasarhelyi and Gyor.But at 17 things went up a step when Paolo Maldini called.The Italian great, then AC Milan’s sporting director, got in touch to say how much he admired Kerkez and reportedly flew out in a private jet to secure his signature.Kerkez joined the Milan academy for a year and spent time training with the first team.He had no real desire to leave Hungary or Gyor at that time, but could not say no to one of the greatest defenders of all time rolling out the red carpet.Kerez joined the Milan academy for a year in 2021Credit: GettyWhile with Milan’s academy he would face Liverpool youth sides in European games which featured Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.But despite the plush surroundings of Milan’s Milanello training base, and everything he learned in 12 months there, Kerkez took the decision to move again.AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands were showing an interest and he knew a move there would mean matches – and what a decision it has proved.After just one season in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League with Alkmaar, bigger clubs came calling again.Lazio and Benfica were both interested in deals, with the Portuguese side thinking they had an agreement in place.But Bournemouth beat them all to it and are now reaping the rewards.Kerkez arrived in the sleepy south coast town aged just 19 and was asked to step into a Prem game straight away following injury to Lloyd Kelly.Iraola knew it was a lot for such a young player, and things did not always go to plan – with wingers played at left-back ahead of him at times during that first term.The Cherries boss worked closely with Kerkez to improve his focus and tactical nous and the young defender credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this season.Kerkez credits Iraola with the huge steps he has taken this seasonCredit: ReutersKerkez is best pals with Liverpool star Dominik SzoboszlaiCredit: GettyWhile his career path has been hectic and nomadic, and looks set for another big step in the summer, Kerkez’s down time is often much more relaxed.He likes to leave his phone behind and head off camping and fishing in Serbia with close friends.That might become rather more difficult if he starts spending his weekends bombing up and down the flanks at Anfield.He told The Guardian: “I’ll be alone in a house, maybe with one friend, chill there, chop wood, make fire, camp, fish, that’s it, no phone.”People want you to focus on football, but you need something else because when you come back you’re even more motivated.”His close friendship with Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai could push him towards the league leaders if they come calling again.Szoboszlai called Kerkez his best pal in the Prem and the pair both played for Hungary at Euros 2024.The youngster is also well-known Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who signed him for Bournemouth.Szoboszlai commented on Kerkez’s social media post after he scored the final goal in Bournemouth’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle last Saturday.READ MORE SUN STORIESSzoboszlai replied to his compatriot with: “Yes my son ❤”. Kerkez also recently followed Luiz Diaz on Instagram.The left-back has flourished under Andoi IraolaCredit: Getty More