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Manchester United could look to strengthen their squad next month, with the transfer window set to open on January 1
Manchester United are one of several clubs credited with an interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo. The 25‑year‑old, who has been in excellent form for the Cherries, could leave the south coast in January.
Semenyo reportedly has a £65million release clause in his contract which can be activated during the first two weeks of the January transfer window. His form, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in 15 Premier League matches, has seen transfer speculation increase.
According to The Telegraph, United are now in a four-way tussle with Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool for the Ghana international. United wanted to sign him last summer but he ended up staying at the Vitality Stadium and consequently signed a new five-year contract with Bournemouth.
However, the contract is believed to state that his release clause can be activated between January 1 and January 15.
United will be hoping that uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola's future at neighbours City strengthens their position in any potential deal.
Reds head coach Ruben Amorim hailed Semenyo as a 'special player' ahead of Monday's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, in which the forward scored a superb goal.
Amorim said: "They have a special player. They have many good players, but they have a special player in Semenyo. [He] can play both sides with both feet."
Meanwhile, former United attacker Paul Ince believes whichever of his old clubs can offer Champions League football next season will win the race for Semenyo.
"I was surprised that Liverpool or Manchester United didn’t sign Antoine Semenyo at the start of the season, because he's a top player," Ince admitted in conversation with Covers.com World Cup betting team.
"He should wait until the summer transfer window to make a move; January isn't a great time to move and clubs often don’t like parting with players midway through a season.
"I don’t see him staying put beyond the summer though. Bournemouth are great at sourcing players from all over the world, but ultimately they’ve always been a selling club.
"He'll have plenty of options on the table. He’s got all the attributes to improve even more too; he's great on both feet, strong, quick and can bag you plenty of goals, as we’ve seen so far this year."
Amorim is said to view Semenyo as an attacking wing‑back as he looks to guide United back into European competition next season.
"In terms of whether he’ll move to Liverpool or Man Utd, it depends on which one will finish in the top four and have Champions League football to look forward to next season," Ince continued.
"If I were in his position, I'd stay put for now at Bournemouth until the end of the season, and see which one of those teams finishes in the top four."
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