ANTOINE SEMENYO has already “politely rejected” a Premier League club, according to reports.
The Bournemouth forward, 25, is the subject of plenty of transfer interest.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the big clubs looking at landing Semenyo.
His £65million release clause can be triggered in the first two weeks of the January window.
Semenyo is widely expected to leave the Vitality Stadium early in the new year.
SunSport understands United are plotting a swoop.
However, their hopes could be wrecked if Liverpool go in for the ex-Bristol City man.
Arne Slot may dip into the transfer market just months after his £426m summer splurge if Alexander Isak’s leg injury proves to be long-term.
The Swedish striker has a suspected fractured leg after being tackled by Micky van de Ven as he scored against Tottenham on Saturday.
But it is claimed Semenyo turned down one option before the transfer window even opened.
BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS
According to David Ornstein, Tottenham were hoping to trigger the release clause and offer generous wages.
However, he apparently rejected Spurs.
Ornstein told NBC Sports Soccer: “Tottenham were very keen and were prepared to pay a significant salary to Antoine Semenyo.
“But he politely is focusing on other options – namely, it seems City or United.”
Ornstein added the Manchester rivals are both “extemely fond” of the Ghana international.
Arsenal are said to be monitoring Semenyo but would be unlikely to make a move until the summer.
And Semenyo, it seems, would prefer a transfer next month – especially as he is not on international duty because Ghana did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The release clause expires midway through January and then kicks in again in the summer at a lower fee.
Semenyo has eight goals and three assists in 16 Premier League games this season – including strikes at both at Anfield and Old Trafford.