Liverpool has Antoine Semenyo transfer 'expectation' after Richard Hughes theory emerges

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Antoine Semenyo looks to be moving closer to the exit door at Bournemouth, with Liverpool having been linked with hijacking Manchester City's attempts to sign him in January

Antoine Semenyo looks set to leave Bournemouth in the January transfer window(Image: Getty Images)

Antoine Semenyo looks set to join Manchester City, with reports suggesting that both Liverpool and Bournemouth expect the winger to sign for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Semenyo’s future has been the subject of much speculation for a while now, with rumors on his future growing over recent days as the January transfer window approaches.

With just a couple of days remaining until the window reopens now, the 25-year-old is being strongly linked with a move to City, although reports at the weekend claimed there was still a chance that Liverpool could make a late attempt to hijack the deal. That now looks as though it may have been ruled out at Anfield.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are of the belief that Semenyo will sign for City next month. His $88 million (£65M) release clause is only active until January 10, with Guardiola’s side said to be prepared to bring him in at the earliest opportunity.

The process is already said to be underway, and what’s more, sources at Bournemouth suggest Liverpool has “rarely featured” in discussions over Semenyo’s future.

Indeed, other reports are now suggesting it will just be a matter of time before City is confirmed as the player’s next destination, with talkSPORT among those claiming that the deal will be confirmed in the next couple of days.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes could offer the club some late hope with Antoine Semenyo(Image: Getty Images)

If there is any remaining glimmer of hope for Liverpool fans, it perhaps comes in the form of the club’s sporting director Richard Hughes.

The Echo references the Scot, and how he could give the Reds an advantage with his knowledge of the specifics in Semenyo’s release clause, given his previous role at Bournemouth.

A late hijack is therefore not completely ruled out, although it does seem as though Semenyo is destined for a move to the Etihad Stadium.

He could, therefore, make his final appearance for Bournemouth later as the Cherries travel to Chelsea - another side that was linked with his services.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has admitted the club is already preparing for Semenyo’s departure, even if he’d prefer he stayed.

"I have a clear position on it and I don't want to lose him. If it happens, we still have to continue competing - we have no other choice," Iraola said.

"The club is working on things in case he leaves, but obviously it's impossible to replace someone like him. It's impossible, especially in the January market when nobody wants to lose good players."