Leeds were given a helping hand by Pep Guardiola on Saturday.
Manchester City managed to secure a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and ensure the Reds did not leapfrog relegation rivals Leeds in the Premier League table.
After that game, Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport revealed a piece of news that will delight Leeds fans when speaking on Football Focus.
Bournemouth likely to be dragged into relegation battle as Leeds United learn Antoine Semenyo update
It seemed as if Leeds were only competing against Nottingham Forest and West Ham for survival as Burnley and Wolves drift away, but Daniel Farke now looks to have a very real opportunity to drag Bournemouth into the mix as well.
What is your prediction when Leeds United face Sunderland on Sunday?🤔
Only won one of the last five against the Black Cats…
Leeds United last five results
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Mokbel told Football Focus that Bournemouth talisman Antoine Semenyo is determined to sign for Manchester City – and even wants a deal finalised as soon as the window opens on 1st January.
The respected journalist wrote on X (previously known as Twitter): “Antoine Semenyo wants Manchester City move wrapped up by Jan 1. Sources indicate Bournemouth may want attacker to play versus Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of January 10 release deadline, but player keen for swift conclusion. Formal steps expected in next 48 hours.”
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Not only would that see Andoni Iraola – who Leeds once wanted – lose a key man who can boast eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season, but it would also mean Bournemouth are without the Ghana international for a daunting run of fixtures.
The Cherries – who are now only three points above Leeds having played a game more – face Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Brighton and Liverpool in their next five outings.
Having suffered a 4-1 battering at Brentford on Saturday, their ninth Premier League game without a win, Bournemouth are already struggling even with Semenyo in the side.
So, to lose the 25-year-old at the same time Leeds are creeping up behind Bournemouth represents a major blow for Iraola, but Farke will be rubbing his hands at the prospect of dragging another team into the mix and taking some pressure off his players.
Bournemouth could still take a transfer target from Leeds United in response to losing Antoine Semenyo
There could yet be a negative for Leeds from Manchester City signing Semenyo.
Could Ruben Vargas be the missing piece in Leeds’ jigsaw? 🔥
He's been excellent in Spain…
Ruben Vargas.
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Bournemouth are considering Ruben Vargas as a replacement for their wantaway talisman, a player Leeds are trying to sign after his strong start to the season at Sevilla.
It means the 49ers need to be quick and wrap that move up before Manchester City finalise the deal for Semenyo, or else the Switzerland international may end up on the south coast rather than in Yorkshire.
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