Man Utd could grant Antoine Semenyo transfer wish straight away to strike January deal

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Manchester United could offer Antoine Semenyo his preferred No. 24 shirt in a bid to lure the Bournemouth forward to Old Trafford in January. The Red Devils are reportedly looking to sign the Ghana international from the south coast this winter and hold a potential edge over other suitors being touted.

Semenyo, 25, has netted six goals and provided three assists in just 11 Premier League matches this season. He is increasingly linked with a mid-season move to the Red Devils as a result and knowing his usual jersey is on offer could play a role in negotiations.

The No. 24 shirt is currently occupied by goalkeeper Andre Onana , who is on loan at Trabzonspor until the end of the season. But United may not have any qualms about making it available for Semenyo.

This subtle gesture could prove crucial in their pursuit of one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League right now. Onana's future at United looks bleak after a series of blunders tarnished his reputation and the success of Senne Lammens has only made his position more precarious.

The summer recruit from Royal Antwerp has proved to be a steal in United colours thus far. So much so that Onana, who cost £43.4million when he reunited with former Ajax chief Erik ten Hag in 2023, already seems redundant.

Semenyo's availability in January has sparked a lot of chatter after it was revealed the player has a £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract . The winger signed fresh terms on the south coast over the summer but it's understood he only penned the new contract with the understanding the Cherries would include a release clause.

That's enough to suggest Semenyo, who has previously hinted his preference would be to join Arsenal , would be willing to move if the right opportunity presents itself. And the £65m figure presents a fairly realistic price for the biggest spenders in England's top flight.

Nonetheless, there are perhaps still concerns as to whether United could afford such a splurge midway through the campaign. Ruben Amorim's side recruited Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko for a combined fee of around £200m , leaving some question as to where Semenyo would even fit into the XI without dropping one of those players.

That being said, Semenyo has showcased his versatility in just about any attacking role, including the No. 10 position. One solution could see him take that slot off Bruno Fernandes ' hands and drop the Portugal talisman into a deeper midfield role.

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However, United fans might be disheartened to discover they aren't as highly regarded in the race for Semenyo's signature as others. The Athletic has reported Liverpool and Manchester City are leading the chase for his signature , with both teams likely more enticing to most players at present.

United could also offer Semenyo the No. 9 jersey should they desire. The number has been left vacant after Rasmus Hojlund left to join Napoli on loan over the summer.

While it may seem fairly minimal in the grand scheme of things, having the right shirt number is of major importance to certain star talents. It just so happens Liverpool would also be able to offer the No. 24, though Josko Gvardiol currently wears that jersey for City.

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