Not over yet: United plotting sensational last-minute hijack that would send Guardiola over the edge – Sky

Manchester United’s chances of landing Antoine Semenyo might not be completely over, if a recent report is to be believed. The Red Devils were among a handful of Premier League sides chasing the Ghana international, who is the third top-scorer in the division with eight strikes to his name. Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Manchester City were the other sides interested, with United and City pushing the hardest. Chelsea were late entrants, but their inquiry was rebuffed almost instantaneously. And as things stand, the versatile attacker seems to prefer a switch to the Etihad over the other proposals. United’s reluctance to break their wage structure and City’s winning project pushed the Ghana international towards the blue side of Manchester. Why Antoine Semenyo prefers City switch The Cherries’ talisman’s representatives are due in Manchester on Monday and City are expected to open talks regarding the triggering the £65 million release clause. However, as per Sky Sports, the noisy neighbours are yet to fully close the deal, and Liverpool and United will attempt a last-minute hijack. In fact, the Merseysiders will also likely place a bid. Whether United will join them remains to be seen. As relayed by Sky, January 1 could be the “decisive day”. If a deal is not wrapped up by then, anything could be possible. City remain frontrunners “Sky Sports News understands Man City are the frontrunners to sign Antoine Semenyo, whose current preference is a move to the Etihad Stadium. “However, reports on Sunday from the Mail and Telegraph claimed Bournemouth were expecting Liverpool to make a rival bid for Semenyo in a late twist to the story. CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsMinutes Played Total (all)178341485′ Premier League168341440′ EFL Cup100045′ Antoine Semenyo 25/26 season stats “The Times reported later that evening that City had stepped up their pursuit and were set for a meeting with Semenyo’s representatives in the next 24 hours. “In that same report, it was claimed that Semenyo wants to choose his next club before the January window opens as he seeks a swift resolution to his future. United, Liverpool planning last-minute hijack “The Times claim January 1 is viewed as a “decisive day” in the pursuit of Semenyo. If City have not all but wrapped up a deal by then it might be because other interest is being considered. “Sky Sports News understands Liverpool and Manchester United remain interested and there is still work for City to do to get the deal over the line.” It would be nothing short of a Christmas miracle if INEOS can pull this one out of the hat. Fans shouldn’t get too excited at this stage. Amorim‘s team return to action on Tuesday, with a home match against bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Feature image Lewis Storey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25