Bristol City did include a Premier League survival clause in Antoine Semenyo's deal with Bournemouth but may not qualify for it over his lack of game time, Bristol Live understands.
City's former academy striker moved to the Cherries in January on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a fee in the region of £10.5million. That includes a £9m initial fee plus an extra £1.5m in add-ons.
Bournemouth are among the sides involved in an intense battle for survival towards the foot of the Premier League with nine other clubs. Southampton could soon be cut adrift at the foot of the table on 23 points, two behind Leicester and a further four behind Nottingham Forest who occupy the final relegation spot.
Bournemouth, managed by former City midfielder Gary O'Neil, has lifted his side up to 14th in the league on 33 points following three wins in their last four matches - six away from the dropzone with seven games to play.
They could further bolster their chances if they can pick up points in their next three matches, all against relegation rivals in West Ham, Southampton, and Leeds United. However, City may not profit if O'Neil can pull off the achievement because Semenyo has rarely featured since joining the south coast.
He's made just two league starts in 11 matches, one of those coming on his debut, having come off the bench on seven occasions. In the last four matches, he's earned eight minutes of pitch time and was an unused substitute in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing.
Semenyo has yet to find the target for his new side with O'Neil favouring Dominic Solanke in attack. They could also be eager to slowly introduce him to top-flight football with an eye on getting him up to speed for next season.
Due to Semenyo's sale, City will have some money to spend this summer where they will look to sign three or four players including a left-back, central defender, and a defensive midfielder. Those transfer coffers could also rise should Alex Scott complete an expected move to the Premier League in a deal worth around £25m.
As Bristol Live confirmed earlier this week, Aberdeen's Ross McCrorie remains a target with the 25-year-old available to play both in midfield and in central defence, while also filling in at right wing-back. City will need to fend off competition from other Championship clubs to complete any deal.
Earlier this month, when asked if there were any truth to the links which were first reported by Football Insider, manager Nigel Pearson responded: "You know I don't comment on speculation that's generated from other people.
"All I will say is that we will try and do some early business at the end of the season. As soon as we can and we're working very hard to both identify and get closer to doing deals."
Reinforcing the squad with defensive players remains the priority over the summer. The club have already identified targets who they will aim to pursue immediately at the end of the season with a continued preference to get deals completed early.
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