Middlesbrough ‘make enquiry’ about in-demand Bristol City star wanted by Celtic and Nottingham Forest

Middlesbrough have reportedly made an enquiry about Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo, who is currently sidelined with an injury.

Semenyo is currently out of action after sustaining an injury whilst on international duty for Ghana.

The 22-year-old has not been involved in any of the Robins’ pre-season matches and did not travel to Austria for a warm weather training camp.

Whilst the injury is a blow to City, it did quieten speculation about a possible departure this summer with no high profile exits to contend with so far.

A report from Football League World however claims that Championship rivals Middlesbrough have made an enquiry to City about taking Semenyo. Boro are reportedly in the market for three new strikers and Semenyo, as well as Blackburn Rovers striker Sam Gallagher are amongst their targets.

Back in June, it was reported by BristolWorld that a £9m offer from an unnamed club had been rejected. It showed that City would not budge on one of their highly-valued assets though should a better offer come in they may have to consider their stance.

Semenyo is entering the final year of the four-year deal he penned back in 2019, though there is an option to extend that by a further year that would protect him from leaving on a free transfer.

Bournemouth, Fulham, Celtic and Crystal Palace, as well as Premier League newcomers Nottingham Forest have all been attributed with interest since January.

In late June, manager Nigel Pearson reaffirmed his desire to keep hold of one part of a formidable attacking trio.

He said: “He’s a player that has attracted a lot of attention in terms of speculation, again, but we would love to keep all our best players.”

Semenyo had his career best season for City, bagging 12 assists and scoring eight goals, building a strong partnership with top scorer Andi Weimann, as the two took it in turns to set one another up for a goal.

He appeared yesterday as a commentator for Robins TV, commenting on the 2-2 draw with Exeter City in the penultimate fixture of City’s pre-season schedule.

A much-changed side fell behind 2-0 with Coley and Hartridge giving the Grecians a two goal lead but a brace from Tommy Conway saw them earn a draw to remain unbeaten.