Stefan Borson: This is who Man United could sell to fund Antoine Semenyo deal
Manchester United are one of several Premier League clubs to have registered an interest in signing Antoine Semenyo.
Man United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday (21 December), providing a blow to their Champions League hopes.
Ruben Amorim is looking to strengthen his side as the January transfer window edges closer.
Former Old Trafford chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Man United will make a move to sign Semenyo once the mid-season window opens next week.
Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract that can be activated in January, while the price will drop further next summer.
Man United could accept Kobbie Mainoo offer
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Man United could only afford to sign Semenyo if they were to sell someone like academy product Kobbie Mainoo in January.
There has been plenty of speculation around Mainoo’s Man United future over the past few months, with the 20-year-old handed few opportunities at Old Trafford this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the chances of Amorim’s side signing Semenyo, Borson said: “I find it hard to believe, I’ll be honest with you.
“I mean, they may well take a view that Semenyo is a player who opportunistically you can’t miss out on at £65m because of the release clause, and it’s one where you have to push the boat out.
“But they’ve kind of done that quite a lot. I think it’s going to be hard.”
Man City have also been linked with Semenyo alongside the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United in recent weeks.
Man United could agree £40m deal
Borson insisted Man United could receive around £40m for Mainoo if they decide to sell him on to finance a deal for Semenyo.
“Clearly, if they were to, for example, sell Kobbie Mainoo permanently in January to somewhere for let’s say £40m, that maybe feels doable,” said Borson.
“If that happens, then of course, they can easily do a Semenyo deal. But in the absence of a sale, I think it would be quite hard for them.”
Semenyo has registered eight goals and three assists in 17 appearances for Bournemouth this season.
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