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Liverpool has been told to expect plenty of competition to sign Antoine Semenyo from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Semenyo has emerged as one of the best attacking players in the Premier League this season, scoring seven goals and registering three assists for Bournemouth in the top flight.
Bournemouth will want to keep hold of him until the end of the season at the very least, but there is a release clause in the contract Semenyo signed over the summer which will allow him to leave in January if the Cherries receive an offer of £65 million ($87 million) for the 25-year-old.
Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Tottenham have all been linked with a winter swoop for Semenyo, but former Premier League star Chris Waddle does not think the interest in Semenyo will be restricted to Premier League clubs.
"Listen, clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid will all be aware of him," Waddle told BestBettingSites. "They can afford those fees. He has the reported £60m release clause, which is looking like a bargain in this day and age when you consider what he brings and his numbers over the last two years.
"People might say he’s not Real Madrid class, but he’s proven he is a class player because he plays against top opposition every week and causes problems every time.
"Whether it’s Liverpool, Manchester United or anyone else, he’s always involved and always dangerous. He’s definitely right up there at the minute and it won’t just be English clubs looking at him."
Interestingly, Sky Sports says that United, City and Spurs are the main rivals for Semenyo's signature, but it is said that Liverpool is "believed to still be in the background".
City is reportedly the strongest contender of all to sign Semenyo, but he is under serious consideration by United too – despite the Red Devils signing three new attacking players during the summer transfer window.
Earlier this month, The Athletic reported that – while Liverpool is an admirer of Semenyo – a winter move is unlikely for several reasons.
Waddle added: "Whoever gets him will be signing a top, top quality player. I hope that Bournemouth can hold on to him for the rest of the season, but with Ghana missing out on AFCON, he’s going to be even more in demand.
"Semenyo is a top player. I couldn’t name too many footballers who have been better than him in the last year.
"I think he’s playing to his strengths. He looked good last season and he’s looked even better this season. He’s getting older, getting more experienced and, importantly, more consistent.
"As a wide player, you rely on service and the way Bournemouth play suits him. He gets a lot of the ball. He’s clever, he’s got good pace, he’s got a trick, and as you say, he loves to come inside.
"I can’t really think of a better wide player at the minute. He could even play as a number ten if you wanted him to. He’s got a great change of pace, he’s calm in front of goal and he never seems to be ruffled."
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