Manchester United have tabled a £51m bid for Ajax star Antony as they look to solve their personnel crisis this summer, but it is thought that the offer falls nearly £20m short of what the Dutch club are demanding for the Brazilian forward.
The Red Devils completed their first signing under Erik ten Hag’s new leadership with the arrival of left-back Tyrell Malacia, and have agreed a deal for Christian Eriksen to join as a free agent.
But, amid ongoing concern about the future of last season’s club top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who seemingly has his heart set on a departure, another forward arriving could well have jumped the queue when it comes to the priorities of the Manchester United hierarchy.
United have bid £51m for Antony – but that is still nearly £20m short of Ajax’ valuation #mufc
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) July 6, 2022
However, they are going to have to stump up significantly more than their first offer should they wish to land Ten Hag’s former pupil Antony, with Ajax under no pressure to sell and keen to hold out for around £70m.
Having already sold Sebastien Haller and Ryan Gravenberch this summer, the club have raised over 50m euros, and interest in Lisandro Martinez from both Arsenal and the Red Devils themselves, they could be set to double that income.
It leaves them in a very strong bargaining position when it comes to Brazilian Antony, while Manchester United know that they will likely need another forward before their season kicks off on August 6th,
Erik ten Hag is thought to be keen with a reunion with striker Antony this summer (Photo Federico Proietti / DPPI)
Ronaldo latest
It remains unclear where Cristiano Ronaldo’s future beyond this summer lies, but it seems likely to be away from Old Trafford, with the Portuguese star still not having returned to pre-season training and remaining in his homeland for the time being.
Barcelona, Napoli, Roma, Chelsea and Bayern Munich have all been credited with an interest in the striker by the media, but none has yet come forward as a leading candidate for the striker.
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