Liverpool hold the ADVANTAGE in chase for Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool have long admired Antoine Semenyo and reports suggest they're still trying to sign him.

Bournemouth's willingness to keep hold of their superstar winger is admirable, but the inclusion of a £65m release clause in his contract meant that it was always likely that he'd consider leaving early.

In hoping to save their transfer budget until the summer, it was somewhat assumed that Liverpool would miss out on him. As reasonable as his potential fee is, the Reds aren't quite for him. Arne Slot would surely love to have a different forward option available, but facilitating that is another thing.

As such, it was assumed that Manchester City's would have negotiations wrapped up pretty quickly.

On Sunday evening, however, reports in the media confirmed that it wasn't quite that clear cut.

Semenyo to Liverpool deal is still ON

According to The Telegraph, the Cherries 'expect' Liverpool to rival Manchester City for Semenyo.

We could be set for a 'late twist' in talks because even though Pep Guardiola's side are set to pounce on the Ghanaian, the Reds are 'waiting in the wings' and there's still time for a late approach, with his release clause not becoming officially active until Thursday. As such, it's not done and dusted yet.

Furthermore, the Daily Mail released a similar update, except this time, there's a little bit more insight into why things seem to have changed. In their report, it said: "The Reds have shown no indication 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... Semenyo would have a major decision to make were discussions to become serious."

And that's the crux of the argument. Liverpool have a secret ace up their sleeve - Richard Hughes.

Liverpool might have the advantage

Of course, it's undeniable that all of the speculation appears to suggest that Semenyo wants to join Manchester City, with Sami Mokbel at BBC Sport claiming that he really wants to work with Pep Guardiola, which is something that Liverpool unfortunately can't offer him.

But the power of a personal relationship is often overlooked, and Hughes' history as Bournemouth's former sporting director came in useful just last summer, when left-back Milos Kerkez was signed.

Prior to the 25-year-old Ghanaian joins the Cherries, he was a Bristol City star, who was subject to regular loan moves, unable to really solidify his place in the first-team. When Hughes approached him for a January move to the Premier League, he had a shin injury which was hindering his game.

Nonetheless, the sporting director noticed the potential within him and secured him for £12m.

It's said that Liverpool have been eyeing Semenyo up for a few years now, and with Hughes on the Red side of the negotiating table, we might see the winger look to repay the act of good faith that landed him the chance to play at highest level of English football. Until he moves, it's a possibility.

And then we you only need to look at the condition of Liverpool and Manchester City's squads, which are very different. The Reds need a new forward and were consider a move for Semenyo at the end of the season. The likelihood that he might not be available has forced the club to rethink.

Whereas, the Citizens are likely to be forced to sell one of their forwards in order to make way for Semenyo, which significantly complicates the move. That particular aspect is getting overlooked.

So while it's more than likely that City could prevail in a few days time, nothing is certain right now and the lingering interest from Liverpool might force him to reassess his options before deciding.

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