Manchester United are vying with Liverpool and Manchester City to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth in early January, with Ruben Amorim having first expressed an interest in the 25-year-old last summer. The forward is thought to favour joining Liverpool, with City his second choice, so United’s head coach faces a fight to convince him.

Semenyo, who scored in Monday’s 4-4 draw at Old Trafford, has a release clause understood to be slightly less than £65m, with the sum including loyalty money and agent payments. It has to be triggered early next month, the Guardian understands. Tottenham are also interested but appear to have a slim chance of landing the former Bristol City player.

The Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, is intent on acquiring Semenyo as the successor to Mohamed Salah, and City have made contact with the player and his representatives. Although City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, is contracted until June 2027, there is uncertainty regarding his future. The Catalan may consider departing this summer but this should not impact any decision Semenyo makes.

Amorim wants Semonyo to strengthen his options at wing-back and forward. Before United’s draw with Bournemouth Amorim described the Ghana international as a “special” footballer. Amorim wants him to operate primarily as a left wing-back or No 10. At left wing-back, Patrick Dorgu, Amorim’s first signing last January, has failed to impress and his other option, Diogo Dalot, is primarily a right-back.

Amorim has lost the forwards Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo to, respectively, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, who are at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana have not qualified so Semenyo is free to move next month.

United, who travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, are enjoying the best run of form of Amorim’s 13-month tenure, losing only once in 10 games and are sixth, a place above Liverpool. City are second, two points behind Arsenal.