IT’S A STALEMATE…Contract row knocks out JZ from Liverpool win

BOURNEMOUTH. – Jordan Zemura missed out on Bournemouth’s matchday squad for their victory against Liverpool after failing to engage with the club’s contract offer, DorsetLive understands.

The left-back did not feature during the 1-0 win over the Champions League chasers with Lloyd Kelly instead deputising at Vitality Stadium, although the headlines were instead stolen by Philip Billing’s first-half winner.

Zemura has been one of Cherries’ standout performers in recent weeks, but did not feature at Vitality Stadium as the hosts toppled Jurgen Klopp’s Reds 1-0 thanks to a Philip Billing goal.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires this summer, after the club triggered a one-year extension clause in his contract in March 2022.

Zemura, who arrived from Charlton Athletic in 2019 after a successful spell on trial, made his first-team debut in September 2020.

His breakthrough campaign was last season, under Scott Parker, featuring in 33 Championship matches, helping the club clinch promotion.

Cherries have long been trying to tie Zemura down to a longer-term contract, but no agreement has been reached, with other Premier League clubs credited with an interest. And it has all now come to a head, with the Zimbabwe international dropped out of the squad completely, with Lloyd Kelly back fit and featuring at left-back and Matias Vina on the bench.

As it stands, Zemura’s current deal is set to run down this summer, with the club having triggered a one-year extension last March.

Cherries have long attempted to tie down the 23-year-old to fresh terms but no agreement has yet been reached.

As a result, speculation has mounted over his long-term future and a number of potential suitors have been touted to swoop for him.

DorsetLive understands that Zemura has been offered a significant pay rise, but he and his camp are yet to respond to the proposal.

Post-match, however, Gary O’Neil was coy over the decision to leave the defender out.

“Just an internal decision that JZ shouldn’t be in the matchday squad today. So that was all really,” he said.

“I don’t want to go into the details. I mean David Brooks is back in the matchday squad, we’ve just beaten Liverpool.

“They won 7-0 against Man United last week so, I’d rather answer questions around those things.”

Zemura has made 61 senior appearances for Cherries to date and arrived from Charlton Athletic in 2019. – Dorset Live.