Manchester United are keeping their options open ahead of the January transfer window and could possibly be prepared to sell Joshua Zirkzee with a purpose to generate the funds needed for Antoine Semenyo.
The Red Devils prioritised overhauling their misfiring strike force in the summertime, with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko arriving through the doors at Old Trafford for a combined fee of around £200million.
Ruben Amorim had also been keen for United to herald a high-quality central midfielder to suit his 3-4-2-1 system – and Carlos Baleba was believed to be at the highest of the club’s wishlist.
But Brighton made it clear that United would wish to stump up an eye-watering fee in excess of £100m for Baleba, leaving their Premier League rivals with little option but to drop their pursuit on the time.
It’s understood United’s hierarchy will turn their attentions back to signing a No.6 next month, though, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also known to be targets.
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One other player in red-hot form and firmly on United’s radar is Semenyo, who continues to go from strength to strength for Bournemouth.
The revelation that Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his contract on the Vitality Stadium, valid for the primary two weeks of January, has also alerted the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham to a possible deal.
On Monday night, the 25-year-old Ghana international gave United a reminder of what he could bring to their attack with the primary of Bournemouth’s three equalisers a pulsating 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.
In response to Day by day Mail Sport, while Semenyo’s buyout clause will drop to £50m at the top of the season, United could also be willing to take the hit and ‘fast-track the transfer six months early’.
Nevertheless, with a purpose to finance a proposed move for Semenyo, United may first have to offload a peripheral squad member, a player that Amorim deems surplus to requirements.
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The report claims the thought of selling Zirkzee is a practical ‘option’ on the Theatre of Dreams. Roma have been exploring the opportunity of a loan deal this winter and United could include an obligation to purchase as a part of any package for the Dutchman.
Zirkzee has fallen a way in need of expectations in English football having joined United from Bologna for a fee of £36.5m just 18 months ago.
This season, the 24-year-old Netherlands international has made just three starts within the Premier League, managing just one goal.
Facing the media ahead of United’s clash with Bournemouth, Amorim was keen to distance himself from speculation of a possible bid for Semenyo in January.
The Portuguese made no secret of his admiration for Bournemouth’s top scorer, though, labelling the forward a ‘special’ talent.
Asked if he would really like to have a player like Semenyo in his team, the United head coach replied: ‘No, it’s not the case.
‘I feel there’s a number of special players within the league.
‘To summarise them: top manager, top team, I actually just like the team, and a top player, I feel he’s a special player.’
Semenyo’s current contract with the Cherries runs through to June 2030.
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