BREAKING: Antony has handed in a transfer request at Ajax

Manchester United's pursuit of Ajax forward Antony looks to be heading towards a satisfactory end for Erik ten Hag, after the player handed in a transfer request.

Ten Hag's desire to add another forward to his ranks has been well known for some time, even before Cristiano Ronaldo handed in a transfer request it was high on his list of priorities in the summer window.

For much of that time, United have been linked with a move for Antony, with Ten Hag determined to be reunited with the Brazilian at Old Trafford.

He even showed the club what they were missing when he destroyed three Groningen defenders 10 days ago, whilst United were in the middle of a crisis.

United have since upped their pursuit of Antony, with the Glazers seemingly ready to spend some money in the transfer window now there's further protests against them and with the team struggling early on in the campaign.

They've already reportedly had a bid turned down and were expected to make another, now, according to the Mirror, things could be closer to going through, with the player officially telling the Eredivisie giants he wants to leave.

Antony and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax. Image: Alamy

The report claims that an agreement between the player and his potential future club are seen as just a 'formality,' with his desire to join up with Ten Hag.

He had already made his thirst to leave clear last week when he went on strike from training ahead of the game against Sparta Rotterdam, which he then missed.

Having reportedly looked for places to live in Manchester, which trust me isn't easy right now, he wants to move all sewn up in the next couple of days.

United do have over a week, with the transfer window not closing till a week on Thursday, but he could be available for the match against Southampton on Saturday afternoon if he gets his move through quickly.

Antony has already scored for Ajax this season. Image: Alamy

United have already taken Lisandro Martinez from Amsterdam this summer and even attempted to sign one of the players Ajax signed in the window.

Brian Brobbey revealed that Ten Hag had text the forward about joining him at United, but the former RB Leipzig man wanted to return to Ajax, having moved to Leipzig from there, before returning to Ajax on loan last season.

The Red Devils could return to Netherlands for another forward, with PSV's Cody Gakpo reportedly a target for the English giants.

United's move for Gakpo may not be affected by the move for Antony, especially now his side have been knocked out of the Champions League by Rangers.