Antoine Semenyo release clause truth as Tottenham hatch transfer plan for Man Utd target

Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to Tottenham in the January transfer window after Thomas Frank's side tried to lure him to north London last summer.

Antoine Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract which can be activated during the first two weeks of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old has been in fine form for the Cherries this season, and Tottenham remain keen on a move, after trying to sign him last summer.

Semenyo, 25, has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 15 Premier League matches for Andoni Iraola's side - a return that has seen transfer speculation increase. Indeed, according to The Telegraph, Spurs are now in a four-way tussle with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool for the Ghana international.

Tottenham and United both wanted to sign Semenyo last summer, but he ended up staying at the Vitality Stadium after Bournemouth demanded £80m for the coveted forward. Semenyo then signed a new five-year contract with a £65m release clause - which can be activated between January 1 and January 15 - inserted.

Thomas Frank's side may need to move fast if they want to lure Semenyo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, however, as United are planning to go "all-out" on a move in January. The Reds are hoping that the uncertainty around Pep Guardiola's future at neighbours City is going to boost their hand in a potential deal.

United head coach Ruben Amorim described Semenyo as a "special player" ahead of Monday's 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, which the forward scored a fine goal in. 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, Tottenham's head coach Frank has also been full of praise for Semenyo in the past. During his time at Brentford and before a game against Bournemouth last December, the Dane said: "Semenyo can play wherever he wants to play. He's a fantastic player.

"I think he's been the best individual player for Bournemouth this season.

"He is definitely a player we need to look out for and do our best to close down."

Frank's assessment was spot on, as Semenyo went on to record 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances last season - the best return of his senior career to date.

The former Brentford head coach has hinted Tottenham need to strengthen on the left side of the front three.

Speaking earlier this month, Frank went on: "There's competition for that left side role. We are playing games every third or fourth day so we need rotation, but also someone has not put their foot down on the left position."

He has used a number of different players in that role so far this term, with Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel all getting minutes there. But none have rubberstamped a regular starting spot, prompting Spurs to look in the market and at Semenyo.