Man Utd increase their bid for Ajax star Antony
FT Desk
- 26 Aug 2022 19:00 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have filed a third, improved offer for Ajax winger Antony, according to reports in the Netherlands.
The Brazilian has become a top target at Old Trafford this summer after enjoying a breakout season in 2021-22.
But Ajax are determined not to sell having already lost Lisandro Martinez to United in the current window, as well as a host of fellow first-teamers like Ryan Gravenberch, Sebastien Haller and Niciolas Tagliafico.
They are standing firm on Antony, already turning down a bid worth €80 million, but that has only spurred United on to step up their pursuit.
According to De Telegraaf, the Red Devils are now willing to part with 90m in order to convince Ajax to accept the sale, making the Brazil international by far their most expensive acquisition in this window and the second biggest deal in club history after Paul Pogba's transfer from Juventus.
New bid may still fall short
Even with such a figure on the table, though, they may still miss out on their man.
The Dutch daily explained that Antony, his agents, his lawyer and brother met with Ajax technical manager Gerry Hamstra and assistant Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to discuss his future at the club.
At the end of the meeting the parties remained divided: Ajax do not want to let the player go and Antony still wants the move to Old Trafford.
The winger has missed several training sessions as his future remains shrouded in doubt and, after sitting out Sunday's Eredivisie clash with Sparta Rotterdam, looks set to remain on the sidelines this weekend too when Ajax face Utrecht.
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In spite of that impasse Ajax are determined to keep Antony and are set to reject this latest bid too.
Coach Alfred Schreuder signalled the club's intent on Thursday, telling reporters: "I assume that Antony will continue to play at Ajax. Why? Because I am his trainer,"
"He has a contract with Ajax. And I think that's a pretty nice club. I will indicate that we have already sold a lot of players.
"That Antony will stay is my feeling and I dare to say that, because we are strong."
