Manchester United have held discussions with Antoine Semenyo and are confident the Bournemouth forward is intrigued by how he would fit into their tactical plans.

United are encouraged by the current absence of Liverpool from the race, having previously viewed them as their strongest potential rivals. If that remains the case, the pursuit is shaping up as a direct battle between United and Manchester City for the £65 million-rated attacker.

The Old Trafford club have presented Semenyo with their long-term vision, stressing that his versatility makes him a strong match for their system. United continue to lean on their history and tradition when targeting players from lower down the Premier League, believing that heritage still gives them an advantage over City in such negotiations.

United have also outlined a clear role for Semenyo, including the possibility of him being deployed in a position similar to Amad Diallo, who has flourished in a wing-back role this season. Club officials feel Semenyo possesses the physical and technical attributes to perform a comparable function and could be effective on either flank.

Manchester City, however, are mounting their own push to lure Semenyo to the Etihad. Their approach centres on recent domestic and European success, with Pep Guardiola presented as a manager uniquely equipped to elevate the forward’s game. City are also offering a more immediate “win-now” proposition, in contrast to United’s ongoing rebuild.

City’s recent Premier League dominance and Champions League pedigree are being highlighted as evidence of what Semenyo could achieve, with the club currently well positioned both domestically and in Europe.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth had hoped that Semenyo’s release clause would not be triggered during the opening days of the January window. With interest intensifying, the club have now begun assessing potential replacements in anticipation of a possible departure.