Manchester United are ahead in the race to sign Bournemouth's sought-after forward Antoine Semenyo, according to reports.
The punchy winger is enjoying the best campaign of his burgeoning career. Semenyo has directly contributed to more non-penalty goals than any other Bournemouth player in what is already a record-equalling campaign for the Cherries.
Andoni Iraola's side matched the club's highest-ever Premier League points total with six games of the campaign to spare thanks in no small part to Semenyo's balance of industry and dexterity. Bournemouth may be confident of hanging on to their manager, but it seems increasingly likely that they will have to part ways with at least one star player this summer.
The race for Semenyo is a competitive one. Sky Sports claim that Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have all expressed some interest in the 25-year-old - yet it is United who are billed as "front-runners" for the forward's coveted signature.
Semenyo won't come cheap. Bournemouth are already consigned to losing their prodigious centre-back Dean Huijsen, who is also being chased after by half the division, and can count upon �50m from his expected sale. Left-back Milos Kerkez is another widely admired figure tipped to move on to pastures new over the summer, with Liverpool touted as his keenest suitors.
Unlike his aforementioned two teammates, there is no release clause in Semenyo's contract. This allows Bournemouth to create an auction scenario, capitalising upon the large number of interested clubs to rack up the sum received. It's claimed that the Cherries are hopeful of extracting around �70m for their two-footed talisman - which would represent a new club record sale.
Whether Bournemouth are forced to part ways with Semenyo at all this summer is as yet unclear. If the �45m-rated Kerkez follows Huijsen out of the door, Iraola's side will have banked �95m. There is still the very real possibility of qualifying for one of UEFA's club competitions next season which brings more riches in prize money and TV bonuses.
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