Reported Liverpool target Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a birthday to remember on Wednesday as he scored an injury-time winner on what is likely to be his final appearance for Bournemouth.
The 26-year-old looks all set to leave the South Coast in the coming days, with a move to Manchester City expected to be wrapped up.
Liverpool had been heavily linked with a move for Semenyo, but after it emerged that the player’s preference was to join City, hope had appeared to be lost over a move to Anfield.
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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal
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There have been intermittent claims that Liverpool could make a late play for Semenyo, but the chances of such a twist appear to have dwindled in recent days.
Supporters were put on alert on Wednesday evening, however, after former captain Jamie Redknapp suggested he had some inside information over a potential late bid from the Reds.
Jamie Redknapp claims Liverpool could snatch Antoine Semenyo
Having coming through the ranks at Bournemouth and gone on to wear the armband at Liverpool, Redknapp is indelibly linked to both the Cherries and the Reds.
As a result, there is reason to take an interest in comments he made live on Sky Sports after Bournemouth’s late win over Tottenham.
Antoine Semenyo salutes the Bournemouth crowd at full-time of their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Vitality Stadium.
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“Where he goes next, I’m not sure. Everyone thinks it’s a foregone conclusion, I’m not so sure,” Redknapp said. “I’ve heard there might be a little bit of a twist still. I think Liverpool could still be in the equation.
“I’m not saying this is a Sky Sports breaking news moment, but I’m just saying I’ve heard tonight that it might not be the foregone conclusion that everyone’s talking about and he’s going to be having a medical at Man City. There might still be a little twist.”
Following the pundit’s comments on Sky, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was also quizzed about the future of his star man.
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Andoni Iraola suggests Semenyo is on his way to Man City
Given the strong links he has to both clubs, Redknapp’s comments on Semenyo have piqued the interest of Liverpool fans hoping for a dramatic transfer hijack.
However, when questioned by TalkSPORT about the Ghanaian’s proposed move to City, Cherries boss Iraola suggested that there will be no late drama.
As journalist Ben Jacobs reports, the Basque said only ‘formalities’ are needed to complete the deal with Pep Guardiola’s side.
“I am very happy for him. He deserves it,” Iraola added. “It was a fairy tale moment and one he will never forget. He’s an incredible player. Not a lot of players would have done what he did.”
Jacobs goes on to say that Semenyo’s medical is scheduled for Thursday. If Liverpool are going to do something, it is going to have to be lightning fast.
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