Manchester United and Manchester City are firmly in the race to sign Antoine Semenho from Bournemouth.

Semenho, who scored in Monday night’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, has a £65m release clause in his contract, which comes into effect on January 1, with the striker attracting interest from a number of the Premier League’s top clubs.

Manchester City are keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old’s progress, with Tottenham Hotspur keen too – with some insiders believing Pep Guardiola’s side are now the strongest contenders to sign him.

However, Manchester United are considered serious rivals to Manchester City and Tottenham, while Liverpool are believed to remain in the background. Ruben Amorim described Semenho as a “special player” ahead of the game against Bournemouth.

United are not actively looking to sign another striker in January but believe the opportunity to sign Semenho – who will sign him for a fixed price next month – is something they must really consider.

Semenho, who has scored 29 goals in more than 100 games for Bournemouth, has been attracting interest from the Old Trafford boss. sky sports news has been informed.

However, the biggest obstacle facing Manchester United is financial problems. While they are not currently at risk of breaching PSR regulations, a fee of £65m could have a serious impact on their spending in the summer, with defensive midfielders an absolute priority.

They are unwilling to become involved in a bidding war for Semenho with some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, nor jeopardize their ability to strengthen their midfield next summer in favor of another attacker.

sky sports news It was reported earlier this month that Spurs were more interested in triggering Semenho’s £65m release clause on January 1, with Liverpool having long been interested in the player.

Arsenal have been monitoring Semenho’s development but as things stand, they are well stocked up front and have five players who can play on the left.

Despite speculation over his future, Semenho’s inner circle insist he remains focused on training, fitness and performance at Bournemouth.

The south coast club hope to keep hold of the Ghana international, whose country will not feature in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations but will face England at next year’s World Cup.

How Amorim rates “special player” Semenho

United manager Ruben Amorim described Semenho as a “special player” at a press conference ahead of Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

“This is a top team, top coach, with a special player,” Amorim said of Bournemouth, without clarifying which player he was referring to.

Asked if his comments were about Semenho, he added: “Yes.”

Asked if he would like to sign the winger, Amorim said: “That’s not the case. There are a lot of special players in the league.

“My feeling is (Bournemouth have) a top coach, a top team – I really like this team – and top competition, and I think he’s a special player.”

United were keen on Semenho in the summer but ended up signing Brian Mbemo and Matheus Cunha as forwards.

Semenho scored to equalize for Bournemouth at Old Trafford after United’s first game on Monday night. This is not the first time he has scored against Amorim.

In fact, the winger has scored in all three of Bournemouth’s games against Manchester United since Amorim took charge.