Antony going to extreme lengths to force Man Utd transfer
Suraj Radia
- 24 Aug 2022 15:47 BST
- 3 min read
Ajax winger Antony is desperate for a move to Manchester United and his representatives are now planning to stay in England for the rest of the transfer window to help close a deal.
The Brazilian has been a top target for Erik ten Hag all summer and it was initially thought that United had been priced out of a move by Ajax despite the player already having agreed personal terms.
But Antony missed Ajax's last game against Gronigen due to the speculation and also was absent from first-team training as he looks to push the transfer through.
The 22-year-old's agents are set to base themselves in London, where United have offices, for the next few days in the hopes of thrashing out a deal, with Ajax already lining up Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech as a replacement.
Ajax had initially been in negotiations over a €70 million deal at the start of the summer but upped their asking price in an attempt to not lose more first-team players, having seen the likes of Sebastien Haller, Lisandro Martinez and Ryan Gravenberch already depart.
United returned with an improved €80m offer in recent weeks but it is looking likely that it will require a bid of around €100m to secure the forward's signature.
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Ten Hag is hoping to be busy in the final week of the transfer window after spirits were boosted by his side's 2-1 win over Liverpool.
The United boss is looking to sign up to four more players following the £70m arrival of midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid.
A forward is now believed to be the priority and Antony is Ten Hag's preferred choice but deals for Chelsea's Christian Pulisic and Cody Gakpo of PSV have also been explored.
🚨 Antony showing his old teammate Lisandro Martinez some love on Instagram.
(Source: ig/antony00) pic.twitter.com/2Ji5FfHGtn— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 24, 2022
United's plans could also be dependent on the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the veteran looking more and more likely to remain at Old Trafford despite his desire to leave for Champions League football.
Ronaldo, who was an 86th minute substitute against Liverpool, has reportedly been impressed by the signing of Casemiro and the lack of interest in him could see him stay at the club past deadline day.
United are also in the market for a backup goalkeeper, a right-back and a striker regardless of the outcome of the Antony deal and Ronaldo's future.
