Manchester United plot move to hijack Antoine Semenyo’s potential transfer to Liverpool

Manchester United have intensified their pursuit of Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo as they attempt to snatch him from Liverpool’s grasp ahead of the January transfer window.

Liverpool remain the frontrunner for Semenyo’s signature, with reports from The Athletic listing the Reds and Manchester City as the most likely destinations.

But United have now entered the race and, according to the Daily Mirror, are preparing a highly personal offer they believe could tilt the battle in their favour.

The Red Devils are reportedly ready to hand Semenyo his preferred No.24 shirt, a number he is said to value deeply. With Andre Onana currently out on loan at Trabzonspor, United are prepared to strip the goalkeeper of the squad number and present it directly to Semenyo as part of their pitch.

They hope the symbolic gesture will persuade him to turn down moves to either Liverpool or City.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has rated Semenyo’s chances of joining a Premier League giant in January as high as 70 per cent.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that the attacker is one of the names to watch closely in the upcoming window, confirming the existence of a £60 million release clause plus £5 million in add-ons.

He added that several of England’s top clubs remain keen and that, should a January move fail to materialise, a summer switch appears highly likely.

Liverpool have reportedly been in sustained contact with Bournemouth for two months as they view the 25-year-old as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah. Journalist IndyKaila has reported that the club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has been in “direct contact” with Bournemouth over a deal.

Semenyo has sparked intense interest across the Premier League thanks to his outstanding start to the season, contributing six goals and three assists in 11 league appearances.

Although he rejected approaches from Manchester United and Tottenham in the summer before signing a new deal at Bournemouth, he inserted a release clause that now leaves the Cherries vulnerable to a mid-season exit.

With several elite clubs circling, Bournemouth may find themselves unable to keep hold of one of their brightest talents as the January window approaches.