Troy Deeney has tipped AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo to end up at Real Madrid if he continues his stunning Premier League form.
Semenyo is a transfer target for both Manchester United and Liverpool with Tottenham also said to be keen on the Ghana international winger.
The 25-year-old has a release clause in his Bournemouth contract and it’s understood the club value him at over £75m ahead of the January window.
Real Madrid signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer and Deeney thinks the Spanish side may now be tempted to bring in Semenyo.
Semenyo has registered six goals and three assists across nine Premier League games for the Cherries so far this season.
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While Deeney is unsure if Semenyo will maintain his form, he believes Real Madrid could be a likely destination if his performances don’t drop.
‘I just don’t know if Semenyo can keep it up – do you know what I mean?’ Deeney told talkSPORT. ‘If he does, then my God – he’ll probably end up playing for Real Madrid.
‘I think he’s very good, very powerful, very direct. I just don’t know whether he’ll keep it up.’
David James, meanwhile, believes his former club Bournemouth may already have a replacement lined up in case Semenyo leaves in January.
Speaking exclusively to Metro, the former goalkeeper said: ‘I think Bournemouth have shown they’re not frightened to lose players.
‘They’ve been excellent in that sense, just looking at this season and the players they lost.
‘It wouldn’t surprise me if they’ve already got someone lined up [to replace Semenyo].’
Semenyo has helped Bournemouth climb up to second in the Premier League table after nine games this season.
It is understood Bournemouth received offers from United and Spurs for Semenyo in the summer but the bids were below the Cherries’ valuation.
Semenyo ended up signing a new deal with Bournemouth and said: ‘If you go somewhere, you want to feel wanted, and I didn’t feel that.
‘This is my safe place. I felt wanted. It feels great. I want to be playing, that’s the most important thing for me.
‘We’ve got a good group here and we’re wanting to achieve top things this year. So this is the best place to be right now.’
Bournemouth are back in action on Sunday as they make the trip up north to face Manchester City.