Manchester United are set to lose out to Manchester City for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
The Antoine Semenyo transfer saga burned bright and furiously in mid-December, before appearing to reach a quick conclusion just before Christmas.
Semenyo decided he wanted to join Manchester City, reported David Ornstein, amid serious competition from Manchester United.
United had made a push to try and land Semenyo, with his £65 million release clause making him an attractive market opportunity.
City are expected to activate Semenyo’s clause in January, with Manchester United now switching attentions elsewhere.
There is no doubt Semenyo is taking a risk by choosing to sign with City over United.
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Fears for Antoine Semenyo
Manchester United were not willing to compete with the wages Manchester City were offering to Semenyo.
And with Ruben Amorim only wanting to sign players who truly want to sign for United, he was not keen on the club going overboard to try and counter City’s offer.
According to the i Paper, Antoine Semenyo’s decision to join City has raised some doubts from within his inner circle.
The report claims: “Sources close to Semenyo believe he is perhaps making a mistake in joining City, given he would not be a guaranteed starter.”
There is a list of players who have joined City to chase silverware and high wages, only to see their own individual careers derailed in the process, with Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips two high-profile examples.
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After missing out on Antoine Semenyo, who should Manchester United be targeting?
Midfield now top priority for United
Antoine Semenyo’s potential flame-out at Manchester City will be his problem, with Manchester United set to focus on other ways to improve the team.
United have big ambitions to spend big on a midfielder or even two, and by saving £65 million on Semenyo, it could be a blessing in disguise.
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This transfer window could see United make a more modest move for a midfielder at a cheaper price, considering the ongoing injury problems.
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are both currently sidelined with injuries.
Former Wolves star Ruben Neves is one of the top names linked, with the 28-year-old into the final few months of his contract at Al-Hilal.
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