Manchester United have been told that they will have to pay Ajax in the region of £130 million if they wish to acquire the highly rated duo of Antony and Lisandro Martinez.
As commonly reported, United are in the market to reinforce a number of positions upon the recent arrival of new boss, Erik ten Hag.
And having already poached Dutch champions head man, the Old Trafford side would like to complement that with a couple of other familiar faces.
Despite Jadon Sancho being popularly spoken of as a right winger, him putting pen to paper on a return to England did not solve United’s gaping issues on that flank.
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The off the field issues of Mason Greenwood too didn’t help, leaving United with a sizable hole to patch up.
Brazil international Antony would fit in seamlessly. Standing out on the right side of Ajax’s title winning attack, the left-footed creator boasts pace and an unlimited bag of tricks – qualities that would be a welcome sight at the Theatre of Dreams.
But, as per Ian Whittell of the Telegraph, Ajax value the winger at £70-80 million, which could pose a problem for United. Fabrizio Romano also reported that new contract talks with the Brazilian are set to begin in the near future.
Ten Hag was reportedly granted somewhere around the £120 million mark in spending funds to prepare for his first season in charge, plus whatever United manage to amass from outgoings.
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As of right now, the latter figure has been unimpressive with United only managing to shift players on expiring contracts.
As a result – with Martinez said to be valued at £50 million – United would have to fork out the entirety of their rumoured budget, and then some, to secure the services of the duo.
That’s extremely unlikely as the same report also confirms that all indications are pointing towards the Reds completing the signing of Frenkie de Jong – also formerly of Ajax – in the coming days.
Barcelona have been firm on their £73 million asking price, but recent developments from Romano state that United have verbally offered the Spanish side closer to £56 million.
However, in spite of the gap in valuations, a deal is expected to be struck through add-ons that would eventually satisfy Barca’s demands.
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That would leave United with little room for manoeuvre in terms of available funds.
If they haven’t done so already, John Murtough, Ten Hag and co. will have to carefully devise a game plan on what to do next and which area of the pitch is the closely following priority.
Paul Hirst of the Times reported that United do indeed like Martinez but a central defender is as low as third on the list of the club’s priorities. United’s financial situation will likely dictate whether they can move in for the Argentine or not.
Hirst also revealed that United are still hopeful of bringing the free agent signing of Christian Eriksen across the line along with de Jong.
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That would offer a new look and a huge boost to ten Hag’s midfield at minimal cost – the ideal case scenario. If that was to happen, Antony would be the next target on United’s shopping list.
Though some of the United faithful have become impatient with the club’s dealings in the window so far, it was rumoured that once – and if – the de Jong deal does get completed, other signings would promptly follow. If the recent reports of United's activity are to be true, it is beginning to look like that may very well be the case.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football, Premier League, Frenkie De Jong, Antony, Erik Ten Hag
