Liverpool 'leads Marcos Senesi transfer race' as Man Utd chases Bournemouth star

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is reportedly set to leave the Vitality Stadium this summer, with Liverpool his most likely destination, ahead of Manchester United

Marcos Senesi is out of contract this summer(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has edged ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, as the South Coast club's mass departure looks set to continue.

Manager Andoni Iraola has already confirmed his departure this summer when his contract expires. His exit comes after a turbulent season which saw the Cherries wave goodbye to Antoine Semenyo, Ilia Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and Dango Ouattara, amongst others.

However, the exodus is not anticipated to stop there. Argentine defender Senesi is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has attracted interest from several Premier League rivals. According to The i Paper, Liverpool is his most probable destination should he opt to leave the Vitality Stadium.

The Reds require a new center-back, with Virgil van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konate out of contract this summer. Giovanni Leoni also remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Liverpool has already wrapped up a deal to sign Jeremy Jacquet for Rennes, but Senesi is viewed as a more seasoned alternative.

The former Feyenoord defender, 28, arrived at Bournemouth in 2022 and has since made 121 appearances.

Arne Slot will have one eye on the summer(Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United and Chelsea have also been associated with him, though neither is anticipated to make an approach.

Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham have also been mentioned as potential suitors, although Senesi has yet to decide on his long-term future.

Speaking in February, Bournemouth manager Iraola said: "Yes, I think the situation is still open. I think it's not easy. We have references from all the seasons, and sometimes they decide to re-sign, sometimes not. But I don't think Marcos has taken any decision."

Senesi also reportedly attracted interest from abroad, with Italian pair Juventus and Roma casting an eye over him.

The former conducted its due diligence but informed the defender's camp that a first-team berth in Turin could not be guaranteed, and have consequently opted against making a move.

While a resolution is sought, Bournemouth will be keen to bring Iraola's final campaign to a positive conclusion. The Cherries currently occupy 11th place in the Premier League table, yet sit just three points adrift of sixth-placed Chelsea, leaving them with a genuine shot at European qualification.

Securing a place in Europe would likely bolster Bournemouth's chances of retaining its most prized assets heading into next season.

Young forward Eli Junior Kroupi has also been linked with a move to Man Utd and Liverpool, having notched 10 goals throughout what has been a highly impressive debut campaign following his arrival from French outfit Lorient.