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Arne Slot's pursuit of Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo could be given a boost, following the club's general manager's admission that it would be difficult to reject an offer from a club of Liverpool's stature.
Tim Bezbatchenko, director of Black Knight Football Club and general manager at Bournemouth, made these comments on the 'Business of Sport' podcast. The former United States international was questioned about Bournemouth's sale of several key assets this summer, including Milos Kerkez to Liverpool and center-back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
Bezbatchenko acknowledged that there are certain clubs that the Cherries simply cannot refuse, bearing in mind they don't want to hinder players from joining their dream clubs.
"When a club like Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG come in and they're competing for Champions League positions, who are we to say, 'No, you can't go, you can't fulfil your dream,'" he said. "No, it wouldn't be like that for all clubs because not everyone is Real Madrid.
"But there is an opportunity, and everybody wins, right? I think that's what we're trying to find, this commonality where everybody can win."
These words from Bezbatchenko will undoubtedly be pleasing to Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes.
Hughes, who originally brought Semenyo to Bournemouth in his previous role with the Cherries, will be hopeful that Bezbatchenko's admission means Liverpool can test Bournemouth's resolve for the speedy winger in January or the summer.
The Ghanaian has netted six times and provided three assists in 11 Premier League appearances for the Cherries this campaign. He also found the net twice when Bournemouth visited Anfield on the opening weekend.
Semenyo is believed to have a release clause written into his deal. While the exact amount remains undisclosed, Bournemouth is understood to value him at around $100 million.
Should the Reds pursue their interest, they'll face significant competition for his signature.
Both Manchester United and Tottenham were reportedly monitoring the situation during the summer transfer window. Reports suggest the Reds could make their move as early as January, with Arne Slot's side lacking pace and creative output from wide areas.
Following Luis Diaz's departure, the Dutch manager has been forced to rely heavily on Cody Gakpo down the left.
While Florian Wirtz has demonstrated glimpses of quality operating from the left, it doesn't seem to be the position where Slot sees his long-term future.
Meanwhile, on the opposite wing, Mohamed Salah faces genuine questions about his form for the first time during his illustrious Liverpool career.
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