Manchester City ready to trigger Antoine Semenyo release clause in January, new club enters race to sign Marc Guehi – Paper Round

Man City could make Semenyo move

“Liverpool have also been linked with the 25-year-old – their sporting director, Richard Hughes signed him for Bournemouth when he worked at the south-coast club – although they had not planned to enter the winter transfer window after spending more than £400 million on new signings in the summer.

“City have not yet fully committed to making a move for Semenyo, but there is a feeling in some quarters that his arrival in January could give them the edge they need to reduce the gap between themselves and the Premier League leaders Arsenal in the second half of the campaign.

“Pep Guardiola, the City manager, likes a versatile player and Semenyo fits that category, as he has operated on both wings for Bournemouth and has occasionally played up front for Andoni Iraola’s team, who are hovering around mid-table despite not winning any of their past four matches.”

Highlights: Inspired Leverkusen capitalise on Man City changes to seal shock win

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Athletes join Guehi race

Atletico Madrid have joined the pursuit to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this summer, it has been claimed.

Liverpool are the favourites to sign Guehi after having a deadline-day deal for the defender collapse. But they face competition from Europe, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“Liverpool remain interested in the defender but they could face even more competition should they revisit a deal.

“According to reports in Italy, Spanish side Atletico Madrid are now among the sides keeping a close eye on him. They are not the only European side tracking him though – Barcelona and Bayern Munich are also contenders for his services.”

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Mainoo opens door to Man Utd exit

Napoli are the most likely to land Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United this January.

That is according to Metro, which reports that Antonio Conte’s side are preparing a bid for the midfielder this winter.

Mainoo has only started one game this season so far under Ruben Amorim – the shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.

“Napoli were one of the clubs to express interest in Mainoo last summer and the Serie A champions are ready to revive that interest ahead of the January transfer window.

“Antonio Conte has been impressed by the impact of a number of ex-Premier League stars, including Mainoo’s former United team-mates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund.

“Il Mattino claim Napoli have re-opened talks with Manchester United and are keen to finalise a deal for the start of the winter window.

“That is likely to be a straight loan deal unless Napoli agree a loan-to-buy for a significant transfer fee.

“Mainoo, for his part, is said to be ‘eager’ to make the move to Naples and knows he needs to revive his career that is stagnating under Amorim.

“The Italian outlet say Mainoo has taken note of the success McTominay and Hojlund have enjoyed since swapping Manchester United for Napoli and believes he would be given a prominent role in Conte’s team.”

Incredible scenes as Mainoo snatches leveller deep into extra time – ‘It is brilliant!’

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