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Antoine Semenyo explains why he signed new contract after Newcastle and Spurs interest

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Antoine Semenyo explains why he signed new contract after Newcastle and Spurs interest - The Mirror
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Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham have all been interested in Antoine Semenyo this summer but the Ghana star will now be staying with Bournemouth long-term

Antoine Semenyo is eager to continue his growth at Bournemouth after shunning transfer interest from rival Premier League clubs to sign a new five-year contract with the Cherries.

A slew of top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham, have all been credited with an interest in the Ghana star after Semenyo, 25, enjoyed his most productive Premier League season under Andoni Iraola last term.

It was reported last month that Bournemouth were standing firm on their £70million valuation of the former Bristol City star after losing both Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez already this summer; a price which was said to be 'deterring' Semenyo's suitors.

But a transfer has now been taken out of their hands with Semenyo putting pen to paper on a deal until 2030.

Explaining his decision, Semenyo told afcb.co.uk: “I’ve grown so much at the club, both on and off the pitch, and I’m really happy to have signed ahead of returning for pre-season.

“From the fans to the staff and my teammates, I can’t speak highly enough of the people around the club. It’s a great place to be and I’m excited to get back to Bournemouth and continue the hard work with the new season just around the corner.”

Bournemouth's president of football operations, Tiago Pinto, added: “Antoine has been crucial to the club’s progress and is a key member of the project here at Vitality Stadium.

“We have a great relationship with Antoine and we’re looking forward to continuing that as we hope to build on a record-breaking season. His commitment to the club matches our ambition and I’m excited to see what can be achieved as we prepare for the new campaign.”

Join the debate! Would you have signed Semenyo, Man Utd and Spurs fans? Let us know here

While Manchester United and Tottenham were said to have cooled their interest in Semenyo after enquiring about the versatile forward, who scored 13 times last season, links to Newcastle have continued in recent days.

United have since pressed ahead with a move for Bryan Mbeumo - their No.1 target - while Tottenham have been linked with Eberechi Eze in recent days.

Newcastle are now pursuing Anthony Elanga and have tabled an offer for the Nottingham Forest winger, who has impressed for the Reds since leaving Manchester United back in the summer of 2023.

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Tottenham told to raid Liverpool after Arsenal muscle in on Eberechi Eze transfer

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Tottenham told to raid Liverpool after Arsenal muscle in on Eberechi Eze transfer - The Mirror
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Tottenham are looking for reinforcements ahead of Thomas Frank’s first season at the helm at Anfield and former star Jamie O’Hara believes he knows who the perfect signing would be

Tottenham have been told to make a move for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott following his starring England under-21 role this summer. The former Fulham starlet has turned in some brilliant displays for the Young Lions at the Euros.

He has scored four goals throughout the tournament - his brace against the Netherlands sealing their spot in the final against Germany. And O’Hara believes the youngster would be an excellent alternative to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, who is being eyed by North London rivals Arsenal.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Tottenham star said: “I’d have him at Tottenham. 100 per cent I’d have him at Tottenham. He’d play on the right and compete with Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski.

“Kulusevski is quite a similar player, but I think Harvey Elliott has got something about him. He can play in the No10, further back in central midfield – there’s a lot to like and he’s only 22. He could definitely play for a team that is playing in Europe.”

Elliott’s future with current employers Liverpool is far from certain. He has just two years remaining on his contract at Anfield, having started just six games under Arne Slot last season.

The midfielder still managed to score five and notched three assists. He admitted that he might be forced to look elsewhere for first team football.

“It's just a situation that me and the team on my behalf have to have a conversation about,” Elliott said earlier this month. “I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm going to be 23 next season and I don't really want to be wasting years on my career because it's a short career.

“You don't know what's going to happen. Touch wood it doesn’t, but injuries and things, it could shorten it. It's a situation that, as I've said before, I need to reflect. I need to see if I'm content in doing what I'm doing and how can I improve as a player because that's the most important thing. That's the main thing, really.

Should Liverpool sell Harvey Elliott please? Share your thoughts in the comments below

“I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself and the best player I can be. If that's to go somewhere else, then it's a decision that I'm going to have to make and I just need to see what happens.”

He added: “Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But as I said, most importantly, it's just about what's best for my career. I just need to make that decision.”

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Tottenham transfer got ‘cancelled by angry club’ after medical due to row over one clause

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Tottenham transfer got ‘cancelled by angry club’ after medical due to row over one clause - The Mirror
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Tottenham were on the verge of signing Fulham striker Moussa Dembele in January 2016, but the deal was dramatically cancelled at the last minute despite the player wanting the move

Tottenham were once close to signing Fulham’s Moussa Dembele - only for the transfer to be scrapped at the eleventh hour after the forward had already completed his medical. In January 2016, Spurs were hot on the heels of rivals Arsenal and surprise Premier League contenders Leicester City in their pursuit of a first Premier League title.

Spurs had Harry Kane in their ranks following his incredible breakthrough 18 months earlier. Yet club chairman Levy identified the need to strengthen the side's attacking options and provide support for Kane as they sought to compete in the second half of the season.

Fulham's promising striker, Dembele - not to be confused with Spurs' own dynamic midfielder at the time - was subsequently targeted as Spurs' main January target. Levy negotiated a bargain £6million deal with Fulham for the then-19-year-old, whose contract was due to run out that summer.

Dembele even passed a Spurs medical two days before the January transfer deadline, with the move seemingly a done deal.

However, the West Londoners were keen for their talented youngster to return to Craven Cottage until the end of the 2015/16 season due to their efforts to battle relegation and a transfer embargo that left them unable to sign any replacements in January.

They hoped to agree a deal that would still see them receive a fee for Dembele despite him becoming a free agent at the end of the season. Spurs, however, were unimpressed by Fulham's demands and insisted he be allowed to join their squad immediately.

The Guardian reported that the disagreement led to Fulham 'angrily' cancelling the deal with Tottenham. Negotiations were not revived, and the forward was said to be left bitterly disappointed.

The Lilywhites didn’t end up buying a player in January and finished third that season, while Leicester City remarkably clinched the league title with a ten-point margin.

In the following summer, Spurs signed Moussa Sissoko and Vincent Janssen, while Dembele joined Scottish giants Celtic on a four-year contract. He had two successful seasons there, scoring 51 goals in 94 appearances and winning two Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.

In 2018, Dembele returned to his home country, signing for Lyon where he netted 70 goals in 172 appearances between 2018 and 2023.

He then joined the influx of former big names moving to the Saudi Pro League in July 2023, signing for Al-Ettifaq as a free agent. Despite a disappointing season for the team, Dembele, having been one of Steven Gerrard's first signings, scored 14 goals in 26 appearances.

Still just 28 years old, he registered seven goals and four assists in 21 games for Al-Ettifaq in 2024/25. The team finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League, with the ship steadying following Gerrard’s departure after the side had been left just five points clear of the relegation zone.

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Ange Postecoglou lined up for shock new job just weeks after Tottenham axe

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Ange Postecoglou lined up for shock new job just weeks after Tottenham axe - The Mirror
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Tottenham Hotspur dismissed manager Ange Postecoglou despite winning the Europa League under the Australian but he is already being lined up for a new role in a different league

Less than a month has passed since Ange Postecoglou was dismissed as Tottenham manager, but the Australian could soon have a new job waiting for him. Postecogou had been linnked with jobs in the Saudi Pro League, but now it looks as though Major League Soccer could come calling.

Postecoglou led Spurs to a fifth-place Premier League finish in his first season and secured Europa League glory in his second. That wasn't enough to keep him in a job, though, with Thomas Frank taking over ahead of a return to the Champions League.

According to BBC Sport, MLS side Los Angeles FC are considering replacing Steve Cherundolo with the former Premier League boss. Cherundolo has overseen a difficult Club World Cup campaign, with LAFC taking just one point from matches against Chelsea, Esperance and Flamengo.

Former United States defender Cherundolo is in his fourth season in LA, having finished in top spot in the Western Conference last term. Things have been tougher this year, though, with his team sitting 10 points adrift of conference leaders San Diego - albeit with games in hand.

Cherundolo already plans to leave at the end of the current campaign. He is due to return to Germany, where he spent his entire playing career at Hannove, saying the decision to return to Europe is "in the best interest of my family".

A move to Los Angeles could see Postecoglou reunited with Hugo Lloris. French goalkeeper Lloris was frozen out by the manager in North London, with Guglielmo Vicario brought in as his replacement, and chose to prolong his career on the other side of the Atlantic.

Lloris isn't the only former Premier League star at the Californian club. Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud leads the line, while ex-Spurs hero Gareth Bale finished his career there after a brief spell in 2022.

“No, nothing surprises me in football," Lloris said when asked about the sacking of Postecoglou. "But at the same time, it is hard to say something because I am on the other side. I don’t know what happened inside the club so it's really hard for me to judge.

“If they made this decision it is because they believe there is another option which is better for the future of the club. What Ange Postecoglou did was just remarkable. He brought this Europa League trophy, he brought a lot of joy to the Spurs community, a lot of pride as well and we all have to be thankful for that."

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Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham racing to complete two transfers with one team left fuming

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Arsenal, Man Utd and Tottenham racing to complete two transfers with one team left fuming - The Mirror
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The transfer window is seeing competition between Premier League clubs Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham as they attempt to get signings over the line in their quest for success

The trouble with good players can often be how sought-after they are. If there's a clear path to their signature, perhaps they aren't as spectacular as expected or maybe, if you're lucky, you know something others don't.

Tottenham's transfer ambitions this summer are certainly not for unknown, uncut gems and have instead taken the shape of prized Premier League possessions. Laudable, and good moves if they can be pulled off, but the Lilywhites may just find out how problematic such deals can be if you can't get them over the line.

With the arrival of Thomas Frank came a desire to land Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo but Spurs weren't first on the scene. The Cameroon international's interest in a move to Manchester United had already developed but Daniel Levy was not immediately dismayed.

Spurs jumped into the race with a bid worth £10million more than United's own offer when they launched a £70m approach. From the outside it sounds like the bold move required to sign a player who scored 20 Premier League goals last term.

But despite holding all the cards: a bigger bid, a familiar face in Frank, and being able to offer Champions League football, it seems the club will have to turn elsewhere. Ruben Amorim's side look set to agree a deal worth £65m, with Mbeumo anticipated to complete a deal next week.

Football doesn't always make sense, although Manchester United did finish two places above their rivals in the league despite falling to them in the Europa League final. Perhaps money talks or perhaps the Red Devils' stature remains worth more than more tangible qualities.

What may be more frustrating is that Tottenham could once again find themselves as the odd one out, unable to capture the attention of the figure commanding everyone's eyes on the dancefloor that is the transfer window.

With the competition of an even fiercer rival, Spurs may be forced to jink and jive to standout. Arsenal could be the team to scupper Tottenham's back-up plan after 'holding talks' with Eberechi Eze's representatives.

Spurs have long-tracked the Crystal Palace and England star but may struggle to hold a candle to Arsenal's Premier League ambitions after a difficult time in 2024/25. Eze made it on to Spurs' shortlist but it appears the Gunners could jump the queue with Andrea Berta already on the case and in conversations.

The Europa League champions cannot even repeat their ploy to land Mbeumo as Eze has a release clause in his contract. The former QPR starlet can be taken from Selhurst Park for £68m, ensuring the 26-year-old has almost the only say in his future.

But a scenario where Spurs are left chasing another target is not out of the realms of possibility. The will once again attempt to please, persuade and impress that they are a more suitable option to settle down with over their north London neighbours.

It is the Gunners who can offer a stable environment and will strive for the greatest gold in 2025/26 however. Spurs meanwhile are onto the seventh new face in their dugout since Eze became a Premier League player in 2020 - they will have their work cut out once again.

Someone will be left unhappy come the end of the summer. For the moment, Spurs are most at risk.

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word message as Man Utd make improved transfer offer

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Bryan Mbeumo breaks silence with four-word message as Man Utd make improved transfer offer - The Mirror
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Bryan Mbeumo breaks silence with four-word message as Man Utd make improved transfer offer

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is enjoying his time off after a standout season in the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both looking to sign him this summer

Manchester United's pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo has been ramped up with a new offer for the Brentford forward. United have submitted an improved bid worth over £60million for the Cameroon star.

Mbeumo scored 20 times in the Premier League last term for the Bees, an outstanding return. But he is ready to leave Brentford for a new challenge.

Tottenham Hotspur are offering the opportunity of a reunion with Thomas Frank, after he left Brentford for the Europa League winners, replacing Ange Postecoglou. They have already made an offer totalling a potential £70m.

But Mbeumo is understood to prefer a move to Old Trafford, where he can expect to earn in the region of £200k-a-week. United have already seen an opening bid of £55m rejected by Brentford, who want at least the £62.5m United paid Wolves for Matheus Cunha.

Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, and while they do, Mbeumo has taken to social media to share his holiday activities. He uploaded a series of photos and videos on Instagram, declaring: "Time off so far".

Mbeumo experienced Roland Garros as well as a scenic trip to Canada, where he was interviewed during a trip to the F1's Canadian Grand Prix. One person to notably like Mbeumo's post was United's young defender Leny Yoro.

Certainly Ruben Amorim would like to have Mbeumo in situ by the time the Premier League kicks off in August. United host Arsenal at Old Trafford in their opening fixture.

And the Portuguese is desperate to overhaul his misfiring attack after their dismal showing in 2024-25. Brazil international Cunha is a start, while Mbeumo has been earmarked as his 'twin No.10' counterpart in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation. A move for a new central striker has also been earmarked.

Pre-season is looming for Amorim, who is aiming to bring about significant change after the club's worst Premier League season, since the competition's inception in 1992. Their domestic disaster was compounded by defeat in the Europa League final to Spurs - which ensured there will be no European football at the club next term.

United's players are due to return to pre-season on July 7 before heading on tour to the USA. Whether Mbeumo is among their number remains to be seen.

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Eberechi Eze's stance on Tottenham transfer revealed as Spurs confident of deal

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Eberechi Eze's stance on Tottenham transfer revealed as Spurs confident of deal - The Mirror
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Tottenham are aiming to add to their squad ahead of next season's Champions League return and have put Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze right at the top of their shortlist

Tottenham believe they can finally land Eberechi Eze this summer. Mirror Sport revealed on Sunday that Spurs are looking towards the Crystal Palace star as they try and strengthen their forward line.

And they believe Eze would be keen on the switch with other clubs also interested in the player who has a £68m buy-out clause. Tottenham ’s new boss Thomas Frank has prioritised a wide player in the transfer market and they have already made a £65m-plus for Bryan Mbeumo and have made enquiries for Bournemouth ’s Antoine Semenyo.

But England international Eze is also a long-term target and they have been getting encouraging noises about whether he would move to Spurs this summer.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have also been linked with Eze while Palace are desperate to keep him after he helped them win the FA Cup and clinch a placce in Europe.

Frank is desperate to strengthen his wide options with Son Heung-min potentially leaving amid strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Tottenham remain keen on Mbeumo but face major competition from Manchester United who have made a £55m bid for the Brentford forward.

Frank has a strong link with Mbeumo from Brentford and will be keen to bring him in but the forward has been keen on going to United. That deal is still a possibility for Spurs but they remain determined to strengthen.

Tottenham have made enquiries on Semenyo but Bournemouth do not want to sell after losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid while Liverpool are closing in on left back Milos Kerkez.

Would Eberechi Eze be a good signing for Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Bournemouth will demand around £70m for Semenyo and Spurs are now exploring options as they look to bolster their squad for the new manager and also ahead of a season back in the Champions League.

But Tottenham know they could get Eze if they trigger the buy-out clause which has been widely reported - just as long as the player agrees to the switch.

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Tottenham plot Eberechi Eze transfer as Man Utd and Liverpool impact three

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Tottenham plot Eberechi Eze transfer as Man Utd and Liverpool impact three-man shortlist - The Mirror
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Tottenham plot Eberechi Eze transfer as Man Utd and Liverpool impact three-man shortlist

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is ready to turn to Crystal Palace talisman Eberechi Eze as Manchester United battle for Bryan Mbeumo's signature while Liverpool could thwart a move for Antoine Semenyo

Tottenham could explore a move for Eberechi Eze as they look to strengthen their forward line.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has prioritised a wide player in the transfer market and the club have made a £65m-plus bid for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and made enquiries on Bournemouth ’s Antoine Semenyo. They have also got Crystal Palace star Eze on their list of potential targets and are long-time admirers of the England international.

It has been widely reported that Eze has a £68m buy-out clause in his contract which would be seen as great value in the current market. Palace will be desperate to keep 26-year-old Eze who has just enjoyed the best season of his career by helping them win the FA Cup and potentially get a place in Europe.

Tottenham weighed up a move last summer but ultimately Palace chairman Steve Parish said he was surprised they did not receive any firm bids. But after enjoying such an impressive season, Eze is likely to attract firm interest again this summer and Spurs are in the market for a wide player.

Tottenham remain keen on Mbeumo but face major competition from Manchester United who have made a £55m bid for the Brentford forward. Frank has a strong link with Mbeumo from Brentford and will be keen to bring him in but the forward has been keen on going to United. That deal is still a possibility for Spurs but they remain determined to strengthen.

Tottenham have made enquiries on Semenyo but Bournemouth do not want to sell after losing Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid while Liverpool are closing in on left-back Milos Kerkez. Bournemouth will demand around £70m for Semenyo and Spurs are now exploring options as they look to bolster their squad for the new manager and also ahead of a season back in the Champions League.

They have made Mathys Tel’s move permanent but could sell captain Son Heung-min before the end of the window with strong interest from the Saudi Pro League in the Tottenham captain.

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank labelled 'too soft' despite quitting job over chairman blunder

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Tottenham boss Thomas Frank labelled 'too soft' despite quitting job over chairman blunder - The Mirror
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Former Denmark international defender Martin Albrechtsen played under Thomas Frank at Brondby and has now shed light on his compatriot's first ever managerial role at club level following his appointment at Tottenham

Tottenham's players are going to have a ball in pre-season - once they've navigated Thomas Frank's 1km time trial. The aim of the maximal aerobic speed test previously implemented by Frank's coaches at Brentford is to run 10 lengths of the pitch in around three minutes and 15 seconds.

However, that should prove a breeze in comparison to Antonio Conte's energy-sapping 'death runs' three years ago in Seoul when the Italian ordered his Spurs stars to complete 42 pitch-long sprints at the end of a gruelling two-hour training session in 30-degree heat.

Jet-lagged Harry Kane paused to vomit while Son Heung-min was among those to collapse to his knees in exhaustion. Providing he stays put, the Europa League-lifting captain can breathe a sigh of relief this summer because preparations for the 2025-26 season will not be so regimented.

Ex-West Bromwich Albion defender Martin Albrechtsen, who played for Frank at Brondby, insists pre-season training under his compatriot was a far cry from what he experienced during his time in the Premier League.

He explained: "I've had a taste of both worlds, the totally crazy pre-season regimes and also managers that think differently.

"With Thomas, his coaches and physios organise the sessions but he's mindful of the bigger picture, it's not just about running 20km, there was a clear plan and he knew how to schedule things.

"He thought about recovery and that if we're training tomorrow, we don't want injuries. His mindset was not about short-term gain and smashing people to their absolute limit, it was more about improving our conditioning and sharpness."

Former Denmark international Albrechtsen, who retired last summer, spent four years at The Hawthorns between 2004 and 2008 and his recollections of pre-season still haunt him to this very day.

The 45-year-old continued: "Life under Gary Megson was a bit special. We had this coach that would make us run in this park in Sutton Coldfield, it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my career. I lost around 5kg, I wasn't very big back then anyway so it was a real culture shock.

"I don't know any player that would enjoy running in a forest for two hours non-stop, they thought we were in good shape but we were not ready to play football because our bodies were so fatigued. Thomas likes to involve the ball a lot, there were still interval runs but you were getting a feel for the ball which goes a long way."

Daniel Levy recently declared Frank's ability to develop young talent speaks for itself. But now, he'll also be dealing with big-name characters at Spurs and Albrechtsen recalls he was notably "soft" throughout his time at Brondby.

He continued: "I think he was maybe just a bit too soft. We were a group of older players that were used to a harder, tougher mentality so we were missing that direct, rougher managerial approach at times. That said, it was around 10 years ago now and I'd expect he's changed given his success."

Ange Postecoglou was unable to appease Levy despite ending Spurs' 17-year wait for silverware and if you thought the circumstances surrounding the Aussie's exit were bizarre, Frank can go one better.

He resigned as Brondby boss in 2016 after it emerged the club's chairman, Jan Bech Andersen, had been scrutinising Frank via an anonymous profile on a fans' forum site.

Albrechtsen revealed: "Yes, it's true. It was a tough few years with financial struggles and we were nearly relegated so we were used to noise and stories, in a way, it just felt like another day at the office!

"Still, it was really strange but perhaps it was a good thing because we weren't performing well and if we carried on, Thomas may have been sacked."

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Man Utd and Tottenham both make same call on £70m transfer after private talks

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Man Utd and Tottenham both make same call on £70m transfer after private talks - The Mirror
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Manchester United and Tottenham are both admirers of Antoine Semenyo but it seems as though neither club will be making a move for the Bournemouth star after discovering his price tag

Tottenham and Manchester United are both said to have cooled their interest in Antoine Semenyo after learning that the sought-after Bournemouth forward would command a transfer fee in excess of £70million.

There has been talk of Semenyo, 25, joining one of the Premier League's top clubs after a stellar season for the Cherries which saw him chalk up 20 goal contributions in all competitions. And it has now emerged that Spurs have followed United in making an enquiry for the Ghana star.

Tottenham want to bolster their frontline ahead of the new campaign and are also interested in Bryan Mbeumo, though the Brentford talisman is understood to favour a move to Old Trafford.

But neither Spurs or United are planning to press ahead with a move for Semenyo as it stands after discovering the forward's price tag.

That's according to The Athletic, who believe that Bournemouth's £70m valuation has 'deterred interest' from Semenyo's suitors after Spurs enquired about the player.

Semenyo would be keen on exploring a move to north London, the report adds, with the club able to offer Champions League football after their triumph in the Europa League final.

While it remains to be seen if Manchester United or Tottenham rekindle talks over a deal for Semenyo in the coming weeks, Bournemouth are in a strong bargaining position when it comes to the forward, who signed a new five-year deal last summer.

They are also under no pressure to raise funds after selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid for £50m with Milos Kerkez also poised to join Liverpool for £40m.

Join the debate! Should Man Utd or Spurs try and sign Semenyo this summer? Let us know here

With United and Spurs set to consider other attacking targets as a result of Bournemouth's valuation of Semenyo, both clubs are waiting to see if an agreement can be struck with Brentford for Mbeumo.

The Cameroon star is understood to have his heart set on a move to Old Trafford but a move to Tottenham would present him with an opportunity to continue working with Thomas Frank, who was appointed as Ange Postecoglou's successor last week.

Brentford want at least £60m for their star forward, who broke the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League for the first time last season.

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