Liverpool could use Ben Doak as leverage to land Premier League attacker

Liverpool are interested in signing Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo

Liverpool are exploring possibilities to bring Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo to Anfield amid speculation surrounding the future of Mohamed Salah.

Mo Salah, who has been in sensational form for the Reds, is one of three key players whose deals are up at the end of the season, which also includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. The Egyptian star has constantly maintained that he is set to end his trophy-laden Anfield career in the summer as discussions over a new deal drags on.

Liverpool fans would love to see Salah sign a new contract and extend his stay in the red half of Merseyside, but if he departs, the prolific forward will need to be replaced. That being said, the Reds are keeping tabs on Antoine Semenyo.

According to a report from the Northern Echo, Liverpool are considering using Ben Doak as a makeweight in a deal to sign Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Ben Doak has been causing havoc in the Championship and ripping apart defences left, right and centre on loan with Middlesbrough. The winger is rapidly growing his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in English football. However, the Scotland international’s future at Middlesbrough has been plunged into doubt after Bournemouth expressed their interest in signing him.

Liverpool officials have voiced their willingness to include the talented Doak in a package for Semenyo as they don’t want to meet Bournemouth’s £50m valuation for their star in this month’s transfer window, the aforementioned report adds. The Cherries are determined to keep hold of the Ghana international, but the club’s chiefs acknowledge they may struggle if a club of Liverpool’s stature make a concrete move.

Semenyo has been in fantastic form for Bournemouth, taking his tally to seven goals for the season with a superb left-footed strike in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek. The African is now a highly sought-after commodity in the Premier League thanks to his impressive displays for Andoni Iraola’s side.

He signed a new five-year contract at the Vitality Stadium last year, keeping him tied to the club until the summer of 2029 (Transfermarkt). Thus, Bournemouth hold great power when it comes to deciding Semenyo’s future.

The 25-year-old’s versatility to operate anywhere across the front line, as well as a wing-back, coupled with his pace, dribbling, dynamism and work rate, make him an ideal fit in Arne Slot’s system at Liverpool. Having played most of his games on the right flank for Iraola’s side this season, the Chelsea-born talent would be a smart long-term replacement for Salah.

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All in all, the Reds must try to persuade Bournemouth to sell their talisman Semenyo by using Doak as a sweetener in any potential deal.