Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson has admitted that Championship rivals Burnley and Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth have both made ‘offers’ for £12 million-rated striker Antoine Semenyo, speaking to the Bristol Post.
With just over a week remaining in the January transfer window, Robins supporters are creeping towards ‘counting down the minutes’ territory.
Hull City dropped down into League One three years ago after cashing in on star attackers Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki mid-season, and there are understandable concerns that Semenyo’s departure could have a similarly devastating effect at Ashton Gate.
Scorer of seven goals in all competitions; The Chelsea-born Ghana international could be the difference between survival and failure for Pearson’s oh-so erratic Bristol City side.
Bournemouth and Burnley like Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo
“The clubs have received offers for Antoine,” explains the former Leicester and Derby boss. “It’s difficult for young players when there is not just speculation but actual, real interest. And there has been.
“We’ve received offers of a fashion from Bournemouth and Burnley too. And there is speculation about other clubs.”
The Daily Mail believe that Bournemouth – who invested a huge fee in Dango Ouattara and have also targeted former fans’ favourite Arnaut Danjuma – are offering £10 million for Semenyo. Bristol City want closer to £12 million, however; a fee which looks likely to rule Burnley out of contention (Sky Sports).
“Antoine is a young man who’s had a pretty good couple of years now; showing not just potential but ability to perform at a very good level,” Pearson adds.
“The one thing he’s working harder to do now is scoring more goals. But, even when he’s not doing that, he’s still a real handful.
“We know we’ve got a talent in Antoine. But we need to protect our interests as a football club and, if we get to a point where a deal is accepted, that it’s done in the right way. Until that point, Antoine is our player.
“I’ve already mentioned Burnley. And the Burnley (communication) was done club to club. That’s really how it should be done.”
Burnley have signed centre-back duo Hjalmar Ekdal and Ameen Al-Dakhil this month. A new centre-forward is next on Vincent Kompany’s wishlist.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
