The transfer saga involving Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is already heating up before the window has opened.
Semenyo has grown into one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, with nine goals and three assists for Bournemouth in 16 appearances this season.
Only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago have scored more than Semenyo in the top flight and there is the feeling that he is now ready to take the next step of his career.
The former Bristol City man is not short of admirers, with a number of leading Premier League clubs said to be interested in Semenyo.
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Spurs are said to have registered interest but were politely rejected by Semenyo, who is believed to preferred a move to Manchester City in January.
Manchester United have also been linked as have Chelsea, who made a recent proposal but ultimately decided to walk away from the deal as they feel they have enough forward players in their ranks.
However, in a fresh development, the Daily Mail say that Bournemouth expect Liverpool to become "serious suitors" for Semenyo.
The 25-year-old impressed against the Reds at Anfield this season, scoring a brace in the opening game of the campaign.
He did so having been the subject of an alleged racist comment from a Liverpool fan, prompting the game to be paused.
Liverpool did business with Bournemouth last summer when they brought in left Milos Kerkez for around £40 million and it appears as though sporting director Richard Hughes is considering an approach to his former club for Semenyo - a player they have admired for a while
Liverpool brought in a raft of attackers last window but record £125 million signing Alexander Isak is set for a lengthy absence after suffering a fractured leg against Spurs.
Prior to scoring against Brentford in a 4-1 defeat, Semenyo spent time weighing up his future and the options he has at his disposal, with City his ideal destination
The Blues are stocked with attacking options but feel Semenyo could add that extra bit of quality for their Premier League title pursuit - though it could result in winger Oscar Bobb leaving on loan.
Man City face Semenyo deadline
They are keen to do a deal imminently and wrap things up at the very start of the window, which opens on Thursday.
City's eagerness to get the move completed comes from Semenyo having a £65 million release clause in his latest contract, signed in the summer until 2030.
However, it must be activated before it expires in the second week of January.
Commenting on the transfer speculation surrounding Semenyo, Andoni Iraiola said: "Antoine's situation is quite clear. Antoine is a massive player for us and even in games like today where probably he hasn't played well, he is always a threat to score and assist.
"Obviously I don't want to lose him. This is quite clear, but there are some situations that are not under my control. He will be available to play again in three days [versus Chelsea] and then the next one and I hope he plays a lot more with us."
Topics: Manchester City, Premier League
Josh Lawless