New Ben Doak development casts further doubt over the winger's Middlesbrough future
BEN DOAK’S Middlesbrough future has been plunged into further uncertainty with Liverpool considering using the winger as part of a package for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
Liverpool have identified Semenyo as a leading long-term attacking target, with the 25-year-old having been one of the stars of the Premier League season.
Semenyo has scored six goals in all competitions, and while Bournemouth are determined to do all they can to hold on to the Ghana international, there is an acceptance amongst the hierarchy at the Vitality Stadium that they could be vulnerable if a club like Liverpool was to table a formal offer.
Bournemouth reportedly value Semenyo at around £50m, and Liverpool would ideally not want to pay that kind of fee in this month’s transfer window.
However, there have been strong suggestions that Bournemouth are interested in signing Doak, and sources on Merseyside suggest Liverpool officials have indicated a willingness to consider including the Boro loanee in a package for Semenyo.
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Liverpool have already rejected offers for Doak from Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town this month, but Arne Slot has not suggested that the Scotland international forms part of his immediate plans and there is a belief that the Anfield club would be willing to sell if the price was right.
Including Doak in a deal for Semenyo might prove an even more appealing option as it would enable Liverpool to land one of their own leading transfer targets for a reduced fee.
Boro are effectively powerless in the ongoing discussions as a clause within Doak’s loan deal enables Liverpool to recall the winger to Anfield this month, even if it is just to then move him on elsewhere.
Michael Carrick has admitted that a decision on Doak’s future is out of Boro’s hands, and while the Teessiders remain hopeful Liverpool will opt to keep the 19-year-old on Teesside, they have plans in place that could be activated if he is recalled to his parent club.
