Liverpool ready to make Antoine Semenyo move as transfer saga takes late twist, Manchester United want teenage midfielder – Paper Round

But they may yet face stiff competition from The Reds, according to The Telegraph.

“Heading into the final days before the window opens, Liverpool have not made a challenge to City but they are well aware of the player at Anfield, with sporting director Richard Hughes working at Bournemouth when Semenyo signed from Bristol City in 2023.

“Hughes managed to land Semenyo for £12m three years ago, beating Crystal Palace to his signature. At the time, Hughes headed up a recruitment that pushed through a deal despite the player carrying a shin injury that impacted his form in the Championship.

“Over the past three seasons the potential they saw was realised in the Premier League, leading to a host of clubs looking at him after his release clause was made public.”

‘Oh what a goal!’ – Semenyo stunner completes Bournemouth turnaround to lead Chelsea

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Liverpool make striker decision

If Liverpool are searching for a striker in January, they will not be turning to Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda, it has been claimed.

There have been rumours Liverpool could turn to Ueda, who has 18 goals so far this term, but there is said to be nothing in those links.

“According to 1908.nl (via Sport Witness), Feyenoord have ‘no reasons to fear’ losing Ueda to Liverpool. Slot signed the forward from Cercle Brugge in 2023 after he finished as one of the highest scorers in the Belgian Pro League, and he’s the runaway leader in the Eredivisie scoring charts this term.

“The 27-year-old scored four goals in a 6-1 victory over PEC Zwolle at the start of the month to take him up to 18 for the season. No other player has more than 11 in the competition.

“Even so, Liverpool aren’t thought to have any plans to swoop for the star. Ueda also has two goals and an assist in five Japan appearances this season and is likely to have a part to play for his national team at next summer’s World Cup.”

‘A really good finish’ – Ueda puts Feyenoord in front against Celtic

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Man Utd face huge competition for Smit

Manchester United have turned their attentions to AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smit to boost their midfield – but face competition from four other clubs.

A report in The Sun suggests Ruben Amorim’s side are monitoring teenage midfielder Smit, who has five assists and two goals in 27 appearances for AZ so far this season.

“Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim is looking to beef up his options in the middle of the park. And The Athletic report that United are showing interest in landing Smit, 19, from AZ.

“But Old Trafford recruitment chiefs are facing a battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle.

“Three European giants – Real Madrid, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund – also have Smit on their radar.

“AZ do not want to sell the teenage sensation during the fast-approaching January transfer window. But they will be seeking in the region of £52million if United or any of his other admirers come calling in the summer.

“Real Madrid have been getting positive scouting reports about Smit and initially discussed making a move earlier this year.

“United are in the market for a new central midfielder because of ongoing uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo’s future. The Old Trafford academy graduate has 12 clubs circling for a loan deal after struggling to win over Amorim.”

‘You could just see he was a special player’ – fans pay tribute to Forest legend Robertson

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Mainoo weighing up permanent transfer

Kobbie Mainoo is considering leaving Manchester United on a permanent basis – but the club would only listen to a “huge offer” according to The i Paper.

Mainoo has struggled for minutes under Amorim this season, with a loan move from Old Trafford seeming most likely.

But should United receive an offer too good to refuse, and if they manage to land one of their main targets, a deal could be reached.

“United do not want, or need, to sell. Only a huge offer would be entertained. And unless they can secure one of their top midfield targets – Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba – in January, letting Mainoo go would leave Amorim in an impossible situation.

“Short-term, cheaper options have been looked at – Ruben Neves is keen to return from Saudi Arabia and available at a knockdown price, while James Garner, who United sold to Everton, is being explored. Ineos feels it has made huge strides in its recruitment process, making these deals unlikely, unless there is real value.”

Mainoo fires ‘really nice’ goal as Man Utd double lead

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