Liverpool set to step up in £65m Antoine Semenyo transfer fight with Man City

Bournemouth are expecting Liverpool to emerge as serious suitors for Antoine Semenyo in what would be a dramatic twist in the pursuit of the in-demand forward.

Semenyo scored a consolation during the crushing 4-1 defeat at Brentford on Saturday and is set to leave the Cherries in the January transfer window.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all registered interest in the player and would need to trigger the £65million release clause in the Ghana international’s contract.

Chelsea made a late proposal to Semenyo last week but have since claimed they walked away and cited depth in attacking areas.

Pep Guardiola’s City, who are on an eight-match winning streak in all competitions after beating Nottingham Forest, are Semenyo’s preferred destination after the 26-year-old spent days deliberating his future in the run-up to Christmas.

City are keen to have a deal wrapped up in readiness for the window opening next Thursday, completing a deal that would provide a major boost in their fight for the title.

But Liverpool have long been admirers of Semenyo, who has nine Premier League goals to his name this season.

The Reds have shown no inclination to challenge City for his signature up until this point yet there are suggestions on the south coast that sporting director Richard Hughes is now contemplating raiding his former club again.

Hughes sanctioned the signing of left back Milos Kerkez last summer and Liverpool are keen to add in the forward areas. Semenyo would have a major decision to make were discussions to become serious.