Middlesbrough: Ben Doak exit twist as Liverpool and Bournemouth eye swap deal | OneFootball

Ben Doak’s future at Boro is in doubt as Liverpool could use the 19-year-old in a swap deal for Antoine Semenyo.

Ben Doak’s future at Middlesbrough has been plunged into further doubt, as Liverpool are considering using the 19-year-old in a swap deal with Bournemouth for Antoine Semenyo, according to a report by the Northern Echo.

Doak is one of the latest youth prospects to showcase their immense talents in the second tier, contributing two goals and six assists from 21 Championship appearances. The wideman has established himself as a key figure towards the Teesside club’s push for a play-off place come the end of the campaign.

However, Boro’s hopes of a return to the Premier League could take a significant dent if Doak was to leave the club in January, and they effectively remain powerless as the key decision remains with the current Premier League leaders.

Ben Doak lined up for Liverpool, Bournemouth swap deal

According to a report by The Northern Echo, the Merseyside club are keen to do a deal with Bournemouth during the January transfer window for Antoine Semenyo, but are not prepared to stump up the reported £50 million asking price in this month’s window.

Meanwhile, the Cherries are big admirers of Doak for his time so far at the Riverside Stadium, and sources closely connected to The Northern Echo on Merseyside suggest Liverpool officials have shown a willingness to include him in a transfer package for the Ghanaian.

The Scotsman does not appear to fit into Arne Slot’s future plans at Anfield, and the use of him in a swap deal is seen as an appealing option for the Reds to land one of their major transfer targets for a cut-priced fee.

As discussions develop throughout, Liverpool do hold the option of recalling Doak this month if a deal can be agreed.

The Northern Echo also states Boro have plans in place to cope with Doaks’ departure but are fully in favour of allowing the attacker to complete the rest of his loan spell in North Yorkshire.

Middlesbrough may fear promotion hopes are over without Ben Doak

The latest report emerging will set the alarm bells racing for everyone connected with Middlesbrough.

Doak has been a shining light in his first half of the season with Boro, with his directness and constant threat to be a creative force bringing a consistent number of goals at the top end of the pitch.

The only hope from a Middlesbrough perspective is that Bournemouth will show a strong reluctance to part ways with Semenyo until the summer, who has been such an influential player towards their rise up the top flight table.

A move like this would seem far likelier to happen during the summer, when clubs have a longer period of time to prepare and bring in replacements ahead of a new season.

The more the clock ticks down towards the end of January, the more belief Middlesbrough fans can hold that the club will retain Doak, with a charge towards the Premier League in full swing if he remains in red and white.