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Antoine Semenyo may be days away from deciding his next club, and while David Ornstein has backed up claims that Tottenham Hotspur have now been ruled out of the equation, sources can explain the likelihood of moves to Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as Arsenal’s surprise stance.

The Bournemouth livewire is the Premier League’s most in-demand player and, with a £60m plus £5m in add-ons clause written into his contract, a high-profile transfer looks set to be triggered in the early days of the January window. But where Semenyo ends up has remained something of a guarded secret, until the last 24 hours when details on his next move have now come to light…

And to help uncover the truths over what happens next, our transfer correspondents, Graeme Bailey and Fraser Fletcher, have worked hard on shedding light on the situation.

First up, we exclusively broke the news last week that Semenyo’s number one choice is Liverpool, while Manchester City are very much still in the running, having spoken to his agent.

Having also revealed earlier this month that Man Utd were strongly considering entering the race and abandoning other transfer priorities, we have since revealed that positive talks between his representatives and the Red Devils leave United firmly in the transfer picture and they are also a move being considered.

And on Sunday morning, Fletcher exclusively broke the news that Tottenham have now been ruled out of the picture, with the Ghana international, despite a serious financial offer to the player.

Off the back of that, trusted journalist David Ornstein has backed up what our correspondents had learned, ruling Tottenham out the equation, while also revealing Arsenal’s take on entering the race…

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Ornstein confirms Semenyo’s Tottenham rejection

Assessing the runners and riders in the Semenyo race, Ornstein backed up our sources when revealing all on the 25-year-old’s next destination.

“The names that are emerging as the leading contenders right now are Manchester City and Manchester United, in no particular order. They are both extremely fond of him,” Ornstein told NBC Sports.

“Liverpool are said to have had great admiration for him. They haven’t moved to the same extent so far, to my knowledge, but let’s see if anything changes around the Alexander Isak injury, because we have just broken the news that Liverpool fear that it is a significant injury to his lower left leg.”

Explaining what is happening with Tottenham, who have now been turned down and Arsenal, whom had been weighing up a late move, but have now made a decision, Ornstein added: “Tottenham were very keen, and I’m led to believe were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo, but he’s politely focusing on other options, mainly it seems City or United, and he will have to make a decision around that.

“I think Arsenal might have looked at the situation, but more towards the summer, and I don’t think he’s willing to wait until that point.”

Of the three sides left in the running, it is Manchester City and Liverpool who would appear favourites.

However, as Fletcher explains, Manchester United are very much in the picture and are not to be taken lightly.

Fletcher wrote: ‘The Red Devils, seeking to inject dynamism in what will be a huge couple of transfer windows for the club, view Semenyo’s versatility and “special” talent – praised by Ruben Amorim – as pivotal.

‘Recent calls and direct talks position United as serious contenders, potentially capitalising on uncertainties elsewhere.

‘They have also shown him where he would play in multiple different systems for the club and how he would be a pivotal player for the side over the coming years. United, however, must contend with serious interest from two other big rivals in City and Liverpool.’

Man Utd greenlight for Zirkzee exit; City to push out duo

If United are to win the race, they will look to make room in their squad by offloading Joshua Zirkzee first.

The £36.5m (€42.5m, $49.5m) signing from Bologna in summer 2024 has rarely shown the qualities that persuaded United to sign him in the first place, and a January move away from Old Trafford has been given the green light if a suitor can match their demands.

Now, with Zirkzee emerging as a prime target for Roma, Romano has provided an update: “Manchester United may make room for a move for Antoine Semenyo by letting Joshua Zirkzee leave – via a permanent transfer or a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

“Talks were held with AS Roma in London last week.”

As stated, Liverpool could now enter the race given the serious nature of Isak’s injury, and their decision makers are expected to reach a verdict quickly.

As for Manchester City, the potential capture of Semenyo could spell trouble for Savinho and one of his Etihad teammates, we can also reveal.

Tottenham Hotspur are considering a new contract for Richarlison after leaning away from a January exit for the attacker, although they are still exploring ways to strengthen their own frontline.

Spurs need to improve their options in the final third if they are to have any chance of finishing in a reasonable position this season and easing the pressure on Thomas Frank. The left-wing role remains deprived of suitable options, while Richarlison still looks like the favourite in the centre-forward role despite the addition of Randal Kolo Muani on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this season.

In the January window, Spurs will be on the lookout for new firepower – but sources have also revealed what they’re considering for Richarlison.

Tottenham consider contract offer for Richarlison

TEAMtalk’s Dean Jones has revealed how Spurs could protect Richarlison’s value in the face of interest from two Premier League rivals by extending his stay in north London.

“Tottenham might double down on a stance of not letting Richarlison leave in January, by offering the forward an extended contract,” Jones told TEAMtalk.

“Spurs are expecting interest in the Brazilian striker ahead of the January transfer window, with both Everton and Fulham believed to be among clubs monitoring his situation.

“Richarlison began Saturday’s match against Liverpool on the subs bench but made a significant impact after being introduced, scoring and almost inspiring a comeback.

“The club are on the lookout for new attacking edge but have also considered blocking any departure in January for him.

“At the moment we understand they see no benefit in letting him leave on loan. And a sale would depend on the level of bidding and whether they can sufficiently upgrade him in the squad in the next month.

“If Spurs do decide to keep him on, sources suggest that Tottenham may even look to additionally lengthen his contract.

“Richarlison’s current deal runs until 2027, and any new proposal would be designed to protect his value while also giving the club additional time to assess the future.

“It comes at a time when Tottenham face a test of patience over boss Thomas Frank, but the club are trying to remain positive.”

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Spurs explore Marmoush raid

In terms of potential additions, TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has confirmed Spurs have shown an interest in Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush.

Starts have been hard to come by for the Egyptian at the Etihad this season, even though City only signed him in the last January transfer window.

And after missing out on Savinho from City in the summer, Spurs have started to look into a move for Marmoush.

To combat Pep Guardiola’s reluctance of letting him go, Spurs may try their luck with a loan offer, although they would be keen to have an option to buy him.

Bergvall linked with Liverpool

Another move touted between Spurs and one of their Premier League rivals in recent hours concerns Lucas Bergvall.

The midfielder is a big prospect for Frank’s side, but speculative reports have suggested Liverpool are ready to make a move for him.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool would be ready to offer around €60m (£52.5m) for Bergvall – and it’s a bid Spurs would supposedly be swayed by.

However, TEAMtalk understands there is no way Spurs would realistically let Bergvall go.

Liverpool won’t be swayed over their stance on Mohamed Salah’s immediate future at the club heading into the January transfer window, while the chances of Antoine Semenyo arriving at Anfield have been talked up again and Arne Slot’s side have been revealed as suitors for a Greek attacker.

Salah is now off duty for Liverpool after heading to the Africa Cup of Nations to represent Egypt, but that won’t stop his future from being a big talking point on Merseyside with the January transfer window on the horizon – as well as talk of who could add to the Reds’ attack.

Salah locked down until summer

Salah’s future at Liverpool has been up for question since his comments post-Leeds game complaining about his decrease in gametime, with many thinking a January exit is looking inevitable.

But before heading off to AFCON, Salah was back in action against Brighton – and it might not have been his last appearance for the club after all.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool do not want to sell Salah in January and would rather do so in the summer, when there will be one year remaining on the contract he signed earlier this year.

As is commonly expected for Salah, the Saudi Pro League will be his likely destination when the time comes to leave Liverpool, seemingly at the end of the season.

Crucially, the decision was reportedly made even before Liverpool lost Alexander Isak to injury during their win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday – and it hasn’t changed since that concerning update.

However, it remains to be seen what Salah’s camp think of those plans after recently angling for a contract termination.

To either replace or complement Salah, Liverpool remain strong contenders to sign Semenyo in January after a report reiterated the Bournemouth winger’s preferences.

Semenyo can be signed via a £65m release clause that will be active in the early part of the transfer window, which has alerted Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Although the competition is fierce, Liverpool are currently understood to be Semenyo’s favoured destination, which has been backed up by The Guardian.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes should have an inside knowledge of his situation given they crossed paths at Bournemouth.

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Liverpool linked with Spurs ace

Meanwhile, some astonishing claims from Spain claim Liverpool have made an offer for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool have put €60m (£52.5m) on the table for Bergvall, an offer which Spurs have been tipped to consider.

It would be a big sum for a player of his age, although Spurs have always been big believers in Bergvall’s potential.

Fichajes isn’t a particularly reliable source for transfer news, so it remains to be seen if the rumour is simply that, or if anyone else will suggest there’s something to it.

Reds rival Chelsea for Greek prospect

One player we can confirm Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on is Genk teenager Konstantinos Karetsas.

Karetsas is an 18-year-old who can operate anywhere in the final third, but predominantly as a no. 10 or on the wing.

After trying and failing to sign Savinho from Manchester City in the summer, whispers are growing about Tottenham Hotspur raiding the same club for Omar Marmoush in January.

TEAMtalk’s Fraser Fletcher has confirmed that Tottenham are exploring a January move for Marmoush, which would come just 12 months after he joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt. Effectively an alternative target to Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who looks more likely to favour a move to Liverpool and has ironically also attracted City themselves, the Egypt international could be one to watch in the transfer market after his Africa Cup of Nations duty.

While Pep Guardiola is resisting the idea of letting Marmoush go, despite only giving him two starts in the Premier League so far this season, Spurs could try their luck with an offer to take him on loan with an option to buy.

If they succeed with their ambitious scheme, Spurs would hope to make the most of Marmoush, which City arguably haven’t been able to.

But in what ways could Marmoush fit into Thomas Frank’s system at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?

Left wing

One of Tottenham’s biggest priorities for the January transfer window is to secure a regular option on the left wing, territory where they currently call upon the likes of Xavi Simons (who hasn’t hit the ground running since his summer arrival from RB Leipzig and is more effective centrally) and Wilson Odobert (who is a work in progress).

The right-footed Marmoush was playing on the left wing at the start of the season for City. In that role, he can cut inside onto his stronger foot and look to get goals or assists.

His only assist in the league this season came in a game he played on the left in – the loss to Brighton at the end of August – although the involvement in question was from a central area in the box.

Striker

When Marmoush was enjoying the form of his life this time last year for Frankfurt, which earned him his Premier League breakthrough, he was often operating as a centre-forward.

It’s another position Spurs could use some fresh inspiration in, with Dominic Solanke suffering from injury setbacks this season.

Randal Kolo Muani is on loan from Paris Saint-Germain but has struggled to get going and will face an uncertain future at the end of the season, while Richarlison will not be on the market in January but might not be the long-term solution either.

Right wing

It would be less likely for Marmoush to play on the right wing for a couple of reasons, although it wouldn’t be out of the question.

First and foremost, Spurs already have Mohammed Kudus as a strong option to start on the right wing. Besides, it isn’t a position Marmoush has played in a lot throughout his career.

But if Spurs needed to give Kudus some rest and still have some pace on the right-hand side, Marmoush could be an option there.

Attacking midfield

Similarly, Marmoush can play in support of a main striker, but Spurs are already well stocked in the attacking midfield department when everyone is available.

As stated, Simons would be more influential there if he could find his form, while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison would class the number 10 role as their preferred territory when fit.

But Maddison won’t be back in action any time soon and Simons is inconsistent at this stage, so maybe Marmoush could offer support to a main centre-forward and make runs in and around to create danger.

A stunning report claims Tottenham are weighing up whether to cash in after Liverpool bid €60m / £52.5m for a livewire star.

Liverpool and Spurs did battle on Saturday, when the Reds coming out on top but suffering several injuries in the process. Micky van de Ven may have ended Alexander Isak’s season if the worst fears about an ACL injury come true. Jeremie Frimpong was busted open by a rogue elbow, while Liverpool will hope Florian Wirtz’s issue was simply cramp.

And according to a bombshell report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, the two clubs are converging again, this time in the transfer market.

It’s remarkably claimed Liverpool have bid €60m / £52.5m for all-action midfielder, Lucas Bergvall.

Spurs beat Barcelona to the Swede’s signature roughly two years ago and while the 19-year-old isn’t always a regular starter in north London, he is making giant strides forward and viewed as a bona fide star of the future.

Fichajes state Tottenham are ‘considering’ the offer, which is described as ‘unusual’ for a player of Bergvall’s age.

In other words, the report is suggesting Spurs could cash in and secretly hope Bergvall doesn’t end up living up to his promise at Anfield.

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Could Tottenham REALLY sell Lucas Bergvall?

The first thing to note regarding this story is the source. Fichajes are not known for being among the more reliable outlets when it comes to transfer news.

While Liverpool may well have an admiration of Bergvall, they won’t be alone in that regard and signing a central midfield is not understood to be a priority for Liverpool right now.

Instead, the Reds’ next two signings are expected to come at centre-back and on the wings. Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo are Liverpool’s top targets.

TEAMtalk tasked transfer insider, Fraser Fletcher, with looking into whether there’s any chance a Liverpool bid – if indeed one has been lodged – could be accepted by Spurs.

The answer from sources was unequivocal – Tottenham have no interest in selling Lucas Bergvall.

Latest Liverpool & Tottenham news

In other news, the most in-demand player ahead of the January window who is being courted by both Manchester clubs as well as Tottenham has another idea in mind – he wants to join Liverpool.

Elsewhere, sources can reveal that Tottenham are ready to rival the likes of Chelsea and West Ham United in the race to sign a veteran Barcelona star, who is actively being pushed out in Catalonia.

Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a potential move for Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush in the January transfer window as their pursuit of Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo appears increasingly unlikely, and sources have explained the type of deal Spurs must put forward to stand a chance of succeeding.

The north London club have been grappling with inconsistencies in attack this season. While their goal tally remains respectable, the lack of a consistent threat on the wings has been a recurring issue.

Spurs had identified Semenyo as a prime target, with the Ghanaian winger’s superb form at Bournemouth – highlighted by eight goals and three assists in the Premier League so far – making him an ideal fit.

However, Semenyo’s £65 million release clause, active only from January 1 to 10, has sparked a fierce bidding war.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are in the mix, and sources confirmed Tottenham’s chances are slim, prompting Thomas Frank and technical director Johan Lange to pivot towards alternative options.

Enter Marmoush. The 26-year-old Egyptian international, who joined Man City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January 2025 for around £59 million, has found opportunities limited at the Etihad.

Erling Haaland’s dominance, coupled with competition from the likes of Savinho, Jeremy Doku, Bernardo Silva, Oscar Bobb, and Phil Foden, has restricted Marmoush to just 15 appearances this term, often in brief substitute roles.

Indeed, the sum total of Marmoush’s minutes in the Premier League this season is a paltry 206.

Insiders claim Tottenham are “looking at” the versatile attacker, who can operate across the front line or on the wings.

His pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess, with the latter showcased at former club Frankfurt, have swayed Spurs.

Marmoush is currently away with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but his frustration over limited minutes may make him open up to a move.

Loan with an option the best bet

Pep Guardiola, however, is expected to resist any departure, valuing Marmoush’s role in squad rotation during a congested fixture list.

A loan deal with an option to buy could be Tottenham’s only realistic hope of bringing City to the negotiating table.

Spurs are also not the only side keen and sources state that there are three Premier League sides monitoring him.

Landing Marmoush is an ambitious undertaking, but Spurs in the post-Daniel Levy era are attempting to think bigger in the market.

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Latest Man City & Tottenham news

In other news, Guardiola is driving Manchester City towards agreeing a deal with a Premier League ace who has largely been overlooked.

Over at Spurs, sources can reveal that Tottenham are ready to rival the likes of Chelsea and West Ham United in the race to sign a veteran Barcelona star, who is actively being pushed out in Catalonia.

Sources can reveal that Tottenham Hotspur are ready to rival the likes of Chelsea and West Ham United in the race to sign a veteran Barcelona star, who is actively being pushed out in Catalonia.

The LaLiga giants are hoping to offload goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and that means one of the best keepers in the world is potentially up for grabs.

To that end, we put the question to our transfer insider Dean Jones, as to the likelihood of Ter Stegen ending up in the Premier League, with Spurs in the mix.

In terms of Tottenham’s interest in signing a new No.1, that has stemmed from Guglielmo Vicario’s struggles this season. The Italy international has made a number of high-profile errors of late, leading to speculation he could be replaced in the new year.

But speaking about the experienced Germany star, Jones said: “It’s not going to be straight forward, as his high wages are going to prove to be an obstacle as well as his desire to move.

“He returned to the Barcelona side this week for his first game in a long time, yet there is no longer-term plan for him at the club.

“As one of the highest-paid players in the squad, it’s not ideal to just have him on the bench, but there does not seem to be much intent from him to move.

“I’m told Barca have been hoping that an English side might show interest – even on loan – to cover some of the financial hit.

“Indeed, the Premier League has the most spending power, so it’s seen as one of the most likely destinations he could consider. But at the moment there are no concrete signs of a move.

“Barcelona attempted to offload Ter Stegen during the summer and brought in Joan Garcia, and the hope has been that he shows a renewed willingness to move in order to secure regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.

“In England, the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham are viewed as potential destinations that could be targeted. Indeed, that follows up on information also gathered by my colleague Fraser Fletcher surrounding Ter Stegen’s future.

“However, at present, I’m told there is no active interest in the 33-year-old Germany international.”

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Latest Barcelona news: Isak signing mooted; shock Greenwood swoop

Stunning claims Alexander Isak could be sold after just one season at Liverpool have been made, with one observer explaining why the form of another Reds attacker could prove decisive and why Barcelona could be a suitor.

Elsewhere, Barca are weighing up a surprise move for former Manchester United star Mason Greenwood, we can confirm, though the Spanish giants will have to navigate something of a storm if they are to push a deal over the line.

West Ham United owner David Sullivan has made it clear that Jarrod Bowen is not for sale in January at ‘any price’, sources have confirmed.

Sullivan has shunned interest in Bowen in previous windows and even last summer, though we understand that there is renewed interest in prising Bowen away from the Hammers next month.

Sullivan previously insisted he would want more than £100million to even consider a sale, but now the West Ham supremo has determined that Bowen is now ‘untouchable.’

Bowen has once again been the pick of the bunch in West Ham’s attack this season and, within the club, they acknowledge just how important he is.

There’s a belief from within that if he were to leave, they could be signing their own Championship membership form as they would almost certainly doom themselves to relegation.

Even with Bowen, West Ham are third from bottom at Christmas, some five points off safety, and requiring more Bowen magic to stave off the drop in the second half of the campaign.

Bowen, for his part, has kept his council. He and his camp are aware of the bubbling interest and are well aware Tottenham have enquired on a regular basis.

Indeed, sources explain Spurs have asked about Bowen in each of the last four transfer windows.

We can also confirm that the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle are long-term admires of Bowen and would have no qualms about bidding for the left-footer if there was a realistic chance of landing him.

But at this point that is just not a possibility, with Sullivan making it clear that Bowen is going nowhere in January.

One player who is set to depart next month, however, is striker Niclas Fullkrug.

The German looks primed to join AC Milan on an initial six-month loan that contains an option to buy. Fullkrug’s full salary will be covered by Milan during the loan period.

Tottenham Hotspur fans launched into Cristian Romero after his red card against Liverpool in a game where Thomas Frank’s side finished with nine men, while Jamie Redknapp likened the club captain’s actions to that of a ‘four-year-old’.

Romero received his marching orders from referee John Brooks for a second bookable offence, lashing out at Ibrahima Konate, following Xavi Simons’ earlier dismissal for a reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

Tottenham were 2-0 down at the time, with Romero receiving his first yellow for complaining about what looked like a clear foul on him by Hugo Ekitike for the visitors’ second.

There was a fightback after Richarlison netted late on, but despite relentless pressure, Frank’s men could not find a leveller as they now sit 13th in the table after recording just one win in their last eight Premier League outings – with the pressure ramping up on the Danish manager.

However, after the game, Tottenham fans were more focused on Romero’s actions than Frank’s future, as they let rip at their skipper.

Commenting on Reddit, fans stated: “The man is a moron” when referring to Romero’s second yellow that led to his red, while another wrote “crazy that this guy is the captain”.

There was more anger towards the Argentine, with another supporter commenting: “Only reason he’s captain is he’d leave otherwise, I’m so sure.”

Another stated: “Name a footballer with fewer brain cells”.

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Redknapp, Neville tear into ‘ridiculous’ Romero

Whilst former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp conceded it was indeed a foul on Romero for Ekitike’s goal, he also slammed Romero for his behaviour for picking up his second yellow of the match.

He said: “What Romero did was what Romero does. It was just ridiculous to get involved right in front of the referee, and just kick out at someone. It’s just so stupid. If my four-year-old did that I’d go ‘what are you doing?’ Ridiculous.”

Speaking on commentary during the dramatic contest, Gary Neville added: “Has he done something on the ground with Konate? He’s not right, him, is he?

“He just literally – he cost his team a goal with the first goal, they’re just about to get back in it, or have a chance of getting back in it; he does that. I mean, what is he doing? What is he doing?

“Forget the fact that it’s madness because he’s already on a yellow card, his team have got a chance to get a goal back. Who’s he shouting at? Get in the dressing room.

“Absolute madness from him, it really is. He’s left the referee nowhere to go.”

Reviewing the replay, he added: “There’s the little kick, right in front of the referee. He’s only two or three yards from him. Stupidity.”

Romero will now be suspended for Spurs’ upcoming fixture at Crystal Palace and sits just two bookings away from a further two-match suspension.

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More Tottenham news: Semenyo blow; Johnson exit speeds up

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has delivered a significant setback to Tottenham’s pursuit, explicitly stating his preference for a move to northern England over London, as Manchester United push to bring him to Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk sources can reveal that Spurs are actually lining up a move for a sensational alternative to Antoine Semenyo.

Arne Slot admits he has a bad ‘gut feeling’ about Alexander Isak’s injury after Liverpool’s battling 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, while goalkeeper Alisson was in a much more positive frame of mind when it comes to how long the Swedish striker could be sidelined.

The home side were reduced to 10 men in the first half with Xavi Simons’ red card and Liverpool had to wait until the 56th minute to open the scoring through substitute Isak, although it came at a potentially massive loss.

After meeting Florian Wirtz’s pass, Liverpool frontman Isak was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Micky van de Ven as he finished empathically past Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Isak received treatment on the pitch and was then replaced by Jeremie Frimpong, before Liverpool went on to double their lead through Hugo Ekitike before Richarlison’s goal in the 83rd minute set up a nervy finish for Slot’s side.

“I don’t have any news on him,” Slot said of Isak after Liverpool’s win. “But if a player scores and then gets injured and doesn’t come back on the pitch, and also doesn’t try to come back, which Conor Bradley for example did but I had to take him out as well because he couldn’t go on, but if a player doesn’t try to come back that’s usually not a good thing.

“But I cannot say anything more than that, that is just gut feeling, nothing medical.”

Asked if Isak had his own feeling about his injury, Slot replied: “Haven’t spoken to him about that yet.

“It’s a good thing he scored, a good goal, assisted by Florian Wirtz, I said last week players are getting better, the team is getting better, again, wasn’t perfect today, especially in the last 10 minutes but in the meantime we pick up points and I see the team developing in a way I’d like to see.”

In his post-match interview, Alisson was at least more upbeat on Isak’s injury.

“I think he will be okay,” Alisson told Stadium Astro.

“Happy for him for scoring the goal but, of course, we don’t want him to be injured.

“Hopefully it’s just a knock, nothing too serious because he can help our team so much with his quality.”

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Slot happy to avoid Elland Road repeat

Meanwhile, Slot admitted to being relieved at getting over the line in north London, especially given how much nine-man Tottenham were pushing for an unlikely equaliser late in the match.

The victory came just a fortnight after the Reds threw away 2-0 and 3-2 leads at Elland Road against Leeds, who grabbed a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser.

And, when speaking on having the same feeling as Elland Road, Slot added: “It was eleven v eleven there but we had nine minutes added again there.

“I think here that was completely fine with the injury treatments, VAR, so I can’t complain at all about he nine minutes. They were close. They came close a few times.

“It’s unbelievable if you play against nine men that I would not be surprised if for the nine minutes they had the ball for eight and half. That is not what you expect and maybe that tells you where we are in this season.

“We need a few more wins to get a bit more comfortable with setbacks. The thing that keeps in your mind is the last ten minutes but there was a lot more to like in the first 80-90 minutes.”

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More Liverpool news: Dream Van Dijk successor; striker chase

Liverpool have been given hope that a deal for a player seen as a dream successor for Virgil van Dijk could be on next summer after sources revealed the player is ready to alter his stance over a potential exit from his current club.

Elsewhere, the Reds are poised to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund over the signing of one of European football’s most in-form strikers this season.