First contact made: Liverpool feel they've FOUND the star to replace Mo Salah | OneFootball

Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

The i reports that Liverpool are keen to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. Importantly, they want to do so because they view him as the right competition for Salah.

Semenyo is capable of playing on both flanks, meaning he could deputise for Salah while also being the replacement for Luis Diaz on the left. A magnificent squad option, then, and one who also carries homegrown status.

Ghana's failure to qualify for the AFCON also means Semenyo could step in for Salah this season. That carries extra value - which could be key here.

Manchester City also want Semenyo, as do Manchester United. Liverpool, though, can essentially guarantee first-XI minutes because of Salah's absence.

Semenyo has a £65m release clause in January that drops to £60m in the summer. That extra £5m is absolutely value for money for Liverpool with the need to cover Salah while he's gone.

The report makes it clear that Liverpool have made their first enquiries over a deal. We imagine that means finding out how the Cherries would want the release clause paid for - in full or with instalments.

But this one is sounding very promising for the Reds. Semenyo makes a lot of sense in a lot of ways and his clause means he's definitely available.