Man Utd set to make £65m transfer decision as summer 'concern' revealed

Manchester United are reportedly set to make a pivotal transfer decision ahead of the looming January window.

The Red Devils have had an up-and-down season, with an early Carabao Cup exit tempered by renewed hopes of European qualification amid an uplift in form.

But recent setbacks at home to Everton and West Ham mean that United have just one win in five, and despite being two points off the top four, they find themselves in mid-table ahead of their trip to lowly Wolves.

Their continued lack of cohesion and identity under Ruben Amorim may have the Portuguese coach heading back to the drawing board when it comes to squad building.

And to make sure his side are not left behind, Amorim may be forced to make a big call over one transfer target that United are reportedly determined to overpay for – and sacrifice another target in the process.

A dilemma has surfaced for Manchester United over their interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, who has attracted the attention of several top clubs in recent times.

Semenyo is highly thought of at Old Trafford as they view him as an ideal long-term signing.

However, the Ghanaian’s release clause could pique the interest of other clubs. Indeed, Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs have all been mentioned as being aware of and monitoring the Cherries star’s situation.

Semenyo has an active £65m release clause in the ‘early phase’ of the January window, with an expectation that it will drop to as low as £50m in the summer, as per TEAMtalk.

Its report notes the ‘concern’ that United have over losing out on the winger if they wait long enough to potentially nab him at a discount.

This is thought to pose a further headache for Amorim and his January plans, as it is claimed that a central midfielder was believed to be at the top of their winter wishlist.

We previously covered potential transfer targets for United – highlighting central midfield as a problem position given the lack of options at Amorim’s disposal.

That’s even when you take into account the underused Kobbie Mainoo, whose only start this season to date has been in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.

If this report is to be believed, you sense that United will have to go for one or the other – that is, if they can even manage to lure Semenyo into mid-season talks.

Either way, it looks like a sacrifice will have to be made in the coming weeks.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.