Manchester City are in pole position to sign Antoine Semenyo after Chelsea cooled their interest in the Bournemouth winger.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been pushing for Semenyo, whose contract contains a £65m release clause that becomes active for the first two weeks of January, but it is believed that the 25-year-old’s preference is to join City. The clause is made up of a £60m fixed fee and £5m in add-ons. Nothing has been agreed upon yet.

Chelsea, Liverpool cooling off

Chelsea explored the conditions of a deal on Tuesday and sought information on the Ghanaian’s wage demands. They quickly withdrew their interest, having decided they are content with their current attacking options, and have left it to rival clubs to agree to terms with Semenyo.

Liverpool has tracked Semenyo for a while and could try to sign a forward after losing Alexander Isak to a broken leg. United have long held an interest in the 25-year-old and have attempted to lure him. As it stands, though, City appears the likeliest to win the race.

Rival clubs believe that Semenyo, who has eight goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, will join Pep Guardiola’s side and boost their title chances. Semenyo has already rebuffed interest from Tottenham.

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City two years ago and have seen him develop into one of the best players in England. Andoni Iraola hopes to keep Semenyo for the rest of the season, but Bournemouth have show they are not averse to selling their best players.

Iraola on Semenyo

“I understand that there is a lot of noise around Antoine,” Iraola said. “If you ask me, I don’t want to lose him, definitely don’t want to lose him. But like we always say, every time the market opens, you never know what’s going to happen.

“He has had moments where he hasn’t scored and has still been very valuable for us. At the end, we demand not only the numbers, but he gives us a lot of things. It’s no secret he is a massive player for us.”