Manchester United set to launch new £80 million bid for Ajax winger Antony

With the summer transfer window approaching its conclusion, Manchester United’s pursuit of Ajax winger Antony has continued to be a regular theme of the club’s transfer business. 

As a result of United’s continued interest in the 22-year-old winger, the Manchester side are reportedly preparing to make another bid for the forward after already having an offer rebuffed earlier this window. 

According to a report from The Athletic, Antony’s representatives are currently in London with an aim to complete a move to United ahead of the window coming to a close on the 1st of September. 

Antony of Ajax. (Alamy)

A report on Wednesday from Sky Sports suggested that United would be willing to pay a fee of approximately £80 million (€94 million) in an attempt to secure the move.

However, The Athletic’s report stated that Ajax have set a price tag of €100 million for Antony. 

It has also been reported by several sources that Antony is determined to be reunited with former boss Erik ten Hag at United. 

The speculation surrounding the Brazilian forward saw the winger left out of their 1-0 victory over Sparta Rotterdam on the weekend. 

Last week Antony admitted that he could not guarantee that he would be staying at Ajax this season. When asked if he could confirm his future would see him stay at Ajax, the forward replied; “No, to be perfectly honest, I can't.”

Antony and Lisandro Martinez are both Manchester United targets

If Antony was to join United, he would be the club’s second signing from Ajax this window, following the club purchasing Argentinian centre-back Lisandro Martinez earlier this window. 

Martinez, who has started every game of United’s Premier League season so far, was heavily praised for his role in the club’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Monday night.

The potential arrival of Antony would mark United’s fifth signing of the summer, following the aforementioned arrival of Martinez, as well as the club signing Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, and Christian Eriksen. It has also been reported that United’s spending is not expected to end at Antony, with more arrivals expected this window. 

The Red Devils remain keen on adding more forward options, however it has been reported that their determination of signing both Antony and PSV’s Cody Gakpo this window is now becoming more unlikely. Additionally United’s pursuit of Alvaro Morata has now been brought to a standstill. 

If United fail to secure any new forwards this window, then the club will have to rely on the attackers that are currently at the club, with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Martial all receiving heavy praise for their performances against Liverpool.