Antoine Semenyo was in the headlines again as his expected January exit from Bournemouth looms larger, with Liverpool having opened talks over personal terms.

Liverpool “formally opened” talks with Semenyo

It was a day for updates on Antoine Semenyo as the January transfer window nears, and Liverpool’s interest is no secret at this point.

Arguably not the strongest source, but talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook states Liverpool are one of four clubs “actively pursuing” a January deal, with Man City, Man United and Tottenham also named.

The i Paperadds they have all “formally opened talks” with the player over personal terms, but it is Man United who are seen as the “frontrunners.”

Bournemouth are described as “resigned” to losing the winger, but as Semenyo has a £60m plus £5m release clause in January, they will certainly hold out for the best payment structure.

Liverpool are expected to be in contention, but thei Papernotably states that their “priority appears to lie in strengthening their defence in January,” with Marc Guehi still top of their list.

At least it promises to be an interesting window, which hopefully ends with a new signing…or two!

Dominik Szoboszlai trains pre-Tottenham

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* Watch Arne Slot‘s pre-Tottenham press conference

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TACTICS: Why midfield is key

Liverpool’s new system has potential but also flaws, andHarry McMullenhas explained why it relies heavily on the midfield unit:

“Imagine you’re playing in midfield for Liverpool.

“You need to be constantly available to receive the ball under pressure, jump up to lead the press, crash the box during attacking counters and also track back to cover the defensive counters.

“Is it any surprise the midfield looked especially spent at full-time on Saturday?

“Slot has six senior options for his new four-man midfield setup, and he used five of them on Saturday – the sixth, Wataru Endois currently carrying an ankle injury.

“The last time Liverpool had a system that relied on the work rate of the midfield, it was Klopp’s 4-3-3. They carried eight senior options into the 2022/23 season and still struggled to keep the pace for a full season.”

READ: Why Liverpool can succeed without Mo Salah – but not without their midfield

Liverpool FC: On this day

Bill Shankly oversaw his first Liverpool game on this day in1959and it ended in a convincing 4-0 defeat against Cardiff City.

There was a crowd of 27,291 at Anfield to watch the beginning of a new era, one that did not get off to the greatest of starts but one that would set in motion a historic future.

The likes of Alan A’Court, Roger Hunt and Ronnie Moran were in the starting XI that day, with the Second Division fixture showing the job Shankly had on his hands.

If only you could tell the Reds watching that day what was to come!