Bristol City have opened contract talks with Antoine Semenyo over extending and improving his present deal at Ashton Gate, following the striker's sensational form over the last 10 weeks.
Bristol Live understands discussions have been held with City keen to tie one of their prized assets down for longer plus reward him for the rapid development and improvements he's made this season under Nigel Pearson.
Semenyo is under contract until next summer with the Robins also holding a 12-month option but there is a wish for greater security given the summer window is expected to bring fresh and potentially sustained interest in the 22-year-old.
Nottingham Forest failed with a deadline day bid for the forward, who is valued internally in the £20million bracket, and a number of Premier League clubs plus Championship teams who hope to play in the top-flight next season are monitoring his situation.
The move to try and extend Semenyo's deal follows similar talks with Han-Noah Massengo, albeit with the 20-year-old's situation a little more accelerated given he doesn't hold the additional option in his agreement.
Although City are working under severe financial restrictions following record losses of £38.4m for the financial year ending 2021, which puts them under threat of failing the EFL's Profit & Sustainability rules next season, there remains a desire to retain as much of their core talent as is possible.
That, ultimately, may not prove feasible over time given the potential Premier League wealth that could be offered for Semenyo, Massengo, Alex Scott or anyone else in the squad but the Robins board are keen to protect themselves both in a financial and sporting sense.
Semenyo is said to be happy in Bristol, having risen through the ranks after being signed to the academy from Dave Hockaday's football programme at SGS College, and his representatives are very much on the same page.
His progress this season under Pearson has been remarkable, considering his season only really began in December due to persistent knee injuries after he underwent surgery at the end of last season.
The striker, a popular figure in the dressing room and club, has made a point of referencing Pearson and the trust and confidence he's placed in him since returning to the side.
Whereas predecessors Lee Johnson and Dean Holden tended to field Semenyo in a right-sided forward role, Pearson has had the faith to play him through the middle and been rewarded with some outstanding performances.
In 17 appearances, Semenyo has scored five goals and added six assists - a goal contribution every 99 minutes - and has helped make City a more dynamic and unpredictable attacking team with the Robins having previously struggled in that department.
He also could be on the cusp of making his international debut, having declared for Ghana ahead of their World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria next month.
On Friday, Semenyo was rewarded for his displays in January by becoming the first City player since Aden Flint in 2017 to be named Championship Player of the Month. The striker is also up for goal of the month for his stunning solo strike against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
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