Crystal Palace and Southampton consider late transfer swoop for Bristol City striker

Bristol City are braced for another bid for Antoine Semenyo with Crystal Palace and Southampton contemplating a late move for the forward.

The Robins looked to have overcome the strong interest from both Bournemouth and Burnley by rejecting offers for him last week. The Cherries came in with an £8m offer before increasing that to £10m last Thursday, but their bid still fell short of City’s valuation for the 22-year-old.

Both clubs have seemingly moved on from Semenyo for the time being with Burnley closing in on the £7m signing of Lyle Foster from Belgian club Westerlo, meanwhile, Bournemouth have hijacked Southampton’s move for Senegalese forward Nicolas Jackson.

Bristol City however could now find themselves negotiating with two other clubs with Palace entering the equation again. The Eagles had been linked with a move for him last summer but an injury sustained in June saw them decide against a move. Telegraph journalist John Percy says that Palace are considering an offer for Semenyo who ‘could leave’ before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Percy tweeted: "Crystal Palace are considering a bid for #BristolCity striker Antoine Semenyo, who could leave before Tuesday’s transfer deadline. Bournemouth had offers of £8m and £10m rejected last week."

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has backed that up and has also mentioned that Southampton have ‘joined the race’ to sign the Ghana forward. He also believes that Burnley could come back in for the striker in the summer, with a move more likely if they return to the Premier League for the first time of asking.

Thomas tweeted: “#CrystalPalace and #Southampton have joined the race for #BristolCity striker Antoine Semenyo. #Bournemouth have also been bidding. #Burnley want him too but preferably in summer.”

Since the turn of the new year Semenyo has been involved in five of City’s nine goals. He has scored in four of his last five matches, including an impressive performance against Birmingham City.

Bristol City activated a clause in his contract that would keep him at Ashton Gate for a further year. His initial deal would have seen him out of contract this summer, but it has been utilised to keep him at the club, as well as allowing them to ask for a bigger price.