Erik ten Hag is preparing for his first season at the helm, after being appointed as the Red Devils’ new boss, and the Dutchman is eager for Antony to follow him from the reigning Eredivisie champions.
According to MailOnline, ten Hag remains interested in sealing a reunion with Antony at Manchester United.
However, the report suggests the Red Devils’ hierarchy feel it will be difficult to strike a deal with Ajax as the Dutch giants have slapped a £70million price tag on the nine-cap Brazil international, which is seen as too expensive.
Manchester United ‘really want’ to tempt Ajax into sanctioning Antony’s move to Old Trafford ahead of the new season, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
Antony has also been left frustrated by Ajax’s financial demands, with De Telegraaf – via United in Focus -revealing the attacker sees his valuation as ‘disproportionate’ while his current employers attempt to deter suitors.
It is understood that Manchester United officials travelled to Amsterdam last month as they attempted to come to an agreement with Ajax, but it appears those efforts were unsuccessful.
The Red Devils are not the only Premier League side tracking Antony as Chelsea have also held talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Antony?
With Cristiano Ronaldo asking Manchester United to sanction his departure if a suitable bid comes in before the September 1 deadline, Romano believes ten Hag is seeking fresh faces in the attacking third of the pitch.
The transfer guru understands Antony is among the names at the top of the Red Devils chief’s wishlist.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “Let’s see if they can find a solution for a number nine or if they can go for Antony.
“Antony is a player that they really want.