Manchester United are reportedly willing to make a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo in the January transfer window after the Ghana international's impressive start to the season
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo's release clause becomes active in January as links to Man Utd continue
View 2 Images
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up Antoine Semenyo for a wing-back role if they manage to secure his signature in the January transfer window, it is claimed. The 25-year-old put in a stellar performance for Bournemouth during Monday's 4-4 draw against United, netting his seventh Premier League goal of the season.
The Ghana international showcased his skills by driving from the right channel into the box and delivering a flawless shot into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Senne Lammens with no chance. A number of clubs are said to be interested in him ahead of the January transfer window.
As per the Independent, United are keen to make a move for Semenyo next month. The player has a £65million release clause in his contract that comes into effect from New Year's Day and the Reds are ready to outmanoeuvre their Premier League rivals - including Tottenham and Manchester City - to bag his services.
United are reportedly confident about their chances of landing Semenyo and are gearing up to make a move in January. The club's board and Amorim are said to be fans of Semenyo's tactical versatility, which they see as a valuable asset.
While Semenyo has been playing as a wide forward for Bournemouth this season to great success, United envisage him in an attacking wing-back role, with Amad Diallo on the opposite flank. Semenyo is believed to be open to such a proposition as he contemplates his future.
Should Semenyo join United and take up the left wing-back position with Amad on the right, it wouldn't affect Bryan Mbeumo, who would continue in his usual right forward role under Amorim. The same applies to Mason Mount, who enjoys Amorim's backing and has featured in three of the past four fixtures on the left flank of the attacking trio.
Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is one of Man United's targets ahead of January(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Matheus Cunha, meanwhile, was deployed through the centre. Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot would feel the effects, though, as both have shared duties in the left wing-back role this campaign.
With Amorim rotating between the pair, it seems he hasn't identified a clear preference. Discussing Semenyo ahead of his pre-Bournemouth press briefing, Amorim remarked: "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."
Beyond Semenyo, United are keen to bring in two midfielders, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson among their primary objectives for the January and summer transfer windows. However, a big-money move could be forced to wait until the end of the season.
United spent over £200m in the summer to bolster their attack in signing Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo. One of the priority positions throughout the first half of the season was a new midfielder amid uncertainty over Casemiro's future.
Now, Bruno Fernandes' bombshell interview, where he admitted he would be open to three moves away from Old Trafford, has placed further emphasis on Amorim signing a new midfielder. "I want to stay at Manchester United as long as I feel desired," he said in an open interview with Canal 11.
"I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have many connections to Italy. My daughter was born there.
"I've already thought about returning to Portugal. The first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting but I don’t want to ruin the image that was left. I don’t want to drag myself there, I want to add to it.
"And even try district football, at an advanced age. You play in the district for love, you feel different. I have friends in the district."
Content Image
Content Image
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.