Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ready to push the boat out to secure the Antony transfer, with the Brazil forward now seemingly emerging as their top target and their prospects not intrinsically intwined with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The new United boss is busy assembling his squad ahead of what all concerned with the club will be a much-improved season. The Red Devils laboured to a sixth-placed finish last season, with many players failing to hit the heights. To that end, changes are afoot within the playing ranks at Old Trafford.
Bringing in new players has been a bit of a bind though for Ten Hag. The Dutchman has had to stay patient in an effort to bring in his targets. First through the door though was Tyrell Malacia, while Christian Eriksen soon followed him in.
Confirmation of their biggest new arrival so far emerged last week in Lisandro Martinez. His signing could ultimately cost up to £57m – and Ten Hag has already responded by making clear his selections plans.
Indeed, the three signings are players Ten Hag knows well. And the theme of sticking to who he knows looks set to continue over the rest of the summer.
To that end, their long-drawn out pursuit of Frenkie de Jong is widely documented. However, getting a deal done has been anything but easy. Perhaps more worryingly, Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip claims a move to their Premier League rivals now looks a growing possibility.
Another player Ten Hag is keen on is Antony. The Ajax forward excelled under Ten Hag’s management with the Amsterdam giants as they secured Eredivisie glory last season.
Scoring 10 times and laying on four assists, his form has earned the Brazilian plenty of admirers.
United’s Antony transfer chase gathering pace
Indeed, having seen an opening offer rejected, a report on Tuesday suggested United are ready to offer a promising youngster as bait as part of a new proposal for Antony.
Whether that has the desired effect remains to be seen. Indeed, multiple reports claim United’s interest in the Brazilian is growing as a result of the news that Ronaldo now wants out.
However, talkSPORT’s transfer expert Alex Crook insists United are actively chasing Antony regardless of the Portuguese superstar’s future.
Furthermore, citing a reliable source, he claims their chase for Antony is very much alive. He also insists that Ten Hag is focusing fully on bringing him to Old Trafford.
“I’ve been getting some information about a player we’ve spoken about before, Antony at Ajax,” Crook began.
“There have been a lot of reports that Manchester United’s interest in him is over. I was under the impression last week that a move for him would only be a target if Cristiano Ronaldo was to leave.
“That may not be the case.
“I’ve had some information from a very reliable source that Manchester United are still very much looking to bring Antony to the Premier League.”
Ten Hag a massive fan
Cook continued: “Erik ten Hag is a big admirer of his qualities and believes he can add something to his Manchester United rebuild.
“They haven’t got a specific price yet. But the price discussed over in Holland is €70million, or a little bit less than that.
“But the message I’m receiving is that Antony to Manchester United is very much still on. It is therefore one to keep an eye on during the remainder of the transfer window.”
Antony’s stats, however, suggest his asking price is perhaps a little steep. In his two seasons in the Netherlands, the player has 23 goals from 79 appearances – not hugely prolific.
However, he does bring a lot more to the table than goals. And, having shone under Ten Hag, it’s easy to see why he’s a man in demand.
Indeed, United are reportedly far from the only side casting admiring glances his way.
He has admirers in Chelsea and even Liverpool, if recent reports are accurate.
As such, the Red Devils may need to act quickly if they are to secure his signature.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo seemingly wants out at Old Trafford due to the quality of players around him and amid theories that he fears losing a personal record.