Boost for Bristol City with Middlesbrough-linked forward set to remain at Ashton Gate this summer

Bristol City forward Antoine Semenyo is much coveted with recent reports suggesting that Chris Wilder and Middlesbrough have made a check on the availability of the Ghana international player.

But that may be a forlorn cause, with the player contracted for two more years at Ashton Gate once the option year in his contract is triggered.

BristolWorld understands that the player is highly likely to remain at Bristol City this summer. An astronomical offer could change that but that is very unlikely currently and not expected.

Such an offer is most likely beyond other Championship sides, especially those without parachute payments.

While Semenyo would like to play in the Premier League in the future, as explained by manager Nigel Pearson, the 22-year-old striker is happy at Bristol City, has a good relationship with the manager and will help the Robins to try and achieve their aims in the next year.

Any potential move elsewhere has been knocked on the head by Semenyo’s recent shin injury, exacerbated while out on international duty making his debut for his country.

The hard pitches of Africa may not have helped but that is in the past as the striker aims to return to training as soon as possible.

Further, while Pearson explained that Semenyo is likely to return in September from his shin injury, we understand that the player is making good progress and is hopeful of being back in action next month instead, to further boost his club.

Ghana have two AFCON 2023 Qualifying games against Angola in the middle of September and Semenyo will hope to be involved in those, as he looks to try and make the World Cup squad later in the year.

Pearson explained on Monday evening that Semenyo may be back in six weeks: “Hopefully we’ll get him back at some point in September maybe.”

The manager also explained that there is interest in several of City’s best players, with BristolWorld reporting that an informal offer was turned away earlier in the summer for Semenyo.

“There has been some interest in one or two players who we don’t want to leave. That’s as important as looking at lack of interest for players that we might want to move,” said Pearson.