Hakim Ziyech close to Chelsea departure as Man United set to sign Ajax's Antony for €100 million

Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is closing in on a return to Ajax as Manchester United are set to splash €100 million on Antony, according to reports.

The 29-year-old has not been named in the starting XI this season, with his game time limited and it was believed that he was set to ask for a transfer.

AC Milan had shown initial interest in the Moroccan, who made his name at Ajax, but the Serie A side cooled their interest in Ziyech in recent weeks.

Therefore, it looked like Ziyech would remain a Chelsea player as they head towards the end of the transfer window.

However, it now appears that he is closing in on a return to Ajax this summer.

Hakim Ziyech replacing Jorginho for Chelsea at Elland Road. (Alamy)

This comes after both Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku secured returns to their former clubs.

Firstly, Lukaku completed a loan return to Inter Milan, while Werner was sold back to RB Leipzig after two years at Stamford Bridge.

It remains ot be seen as to whether a deal can be struck with the Dutch champions to see Ziyech return to the Netherlands.

As reported by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, a return is nearing its completion.

This comes as Manchester United are set to spend €100 million to sign current Ajax winger Antony.

It is believed that he is now 'only steps away' from joining the Red Devils.

Therefore, Ajax are in the market for a replacement for the Brazilian and have looked at bringing back Ziyech.

The situation has changed, with it previously thought that Ajax were unwilling to sign the 29-year-old as Chelsea demanded up to €40 million for his services.

Hakim Ziyech has been linked with AC Milan and Ajax this summer. (Alamy)

Both clubs had scheduled further talks over a potential deal, with the Dutch side eyeing him as a key target for the summer.

Ziyech has only made one appearance for Chelsea so far this season, coming off the bench in their 3-0 loss away at Leeds United on Sunday and now he could end his Chelsea stint.

The Blues are in the market for several attackers this summer with Anthony Gordon, Arsen Zakharyan, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyand and Wilfried Zaha all linked ahead of deadline day.

It remains unclear as to whether Ziyech will be allowed to leave before a replacement is brought in, but with Ajax receiving an influx of cash from Antony's sale, a deal may be struck.