Numerous sources reported a few days ago that Manchester City were in the pole position to sign Antoine Semenyo by triggering the £65million release clause in his contract and Bournemouth, after Liverpool pulled out of the race and the winger chose City ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as his preferred destination.

Now, however, several reports claim the Reds could still return to the fold, pouring fresh uncertainty over the saga. Others, on the other hand, say Semenyo’s representatives are due in Manchester soon to finalize his transfer to the Etihad.

The Premier League champions were said to have made contact with Semenyo’s camp back in November but eventually decided not to pursue a deal, leaving the way clear for other suitors to compete. But the leg fracture Alexander Isak suffered while scoring the opening goal of the Reds’ victory away to Tottenham Hotspur appears to have prompted a rethink at Anfield. Arne Slot’s attacking ranks are depleted at the moment, with Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and Cody Gakpo just returning from injury.

As for Semenyo himself, the 25-year-old winger was said to prefer Liverpool to any other suitor while their initial interest lasted, but it remains to be seen if he’s still open to that idea, given that they already pulled out of the race once and he chose another path. He is apparently keen to have the situation resolved as soon as possible, and though the final resolution isn’t expected before the turn of the year, City will do well to push as hard as they can to get it wrapped up. If they don’t, it could mean another option is still being considered.