Palace target Bristol City’s Antoine Semenyo to boost striking options

Crystal Palace are among the Premier League clubs pursuing Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo but will likely need to stump up at least £15m to secure a deal before the end of this transfer window. Semenyo is regarded as one of the most exciting talents outside of the top flight.

Bournemouth are understood to have had a £10m bid rejected this window for the 22-year-old, whose pace and power has attracted interest from clubs and led to a call-up by Ghana this year. Everton have also made a tentative inquiry for the striker this summer.

However, City are reluctant to sell one of their prized assets, with the England Under-19s midfielder Alex Scott also the subject of firm interest from elite clubs both at home and overseas. Palace are keen to strengthen their front line following the departure of Christian Benteke.

City are determined to keep Semenyo and would demand a fee worth around £20m, inclusive of add-ons. Semenyo is out of contract next summer but the club hold a one-year option on the player, which they are certain to trigger.

Any package would need to amount to around the ones that saw Lloyd Kelly and Adam Webster depart for Bournemouth and Brighton respectively in 2019. City received an initial £13m for Kelly, who is now captain of Bournemouth, and Webster joined Brighton for a then club-record £20m.

Semenyo is yet to play this season following a shin injury sustained on international duty but could return to action as early as next week. The London-born striker, who made his Ghana debut against Madagascar in June, scored eight goals and registered 12 assists in the Championship last season. In 2019 Chelsea had a bid rejected for the forward, who has also spent time on loan at non-league Bath City, Newport