£59.7m forward ‘top target for Ten Hag’ at Old Trafford

Manchester United have listed Antony as a ‘top target’ despite difficulties in being able to get a deal over the line at Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils recently did business with Ajax, as defender Lisandro Martinez joined in a £55.3million deal earlier this month, but tempting the reigning Eredivisie champions into selling Antony is not proving to be a simple task.

What’s the latest news involving Antony?

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United remain interested in signing Antony before the September 1 transfer deadline.

The report suggests Ajax are seeking in the region of £59.7million for the forward, who is a nine-cap Brazil international.

Manchester United are not giving up hope of being able to reach a breakthrough in negotiations after seeing a £51million bid turned down, while Antony is keen to reunite with new Red Devils chief Erik ten Hag and his representatives are pushing Ajax to sanction his departure.

But Liverpool are also mulling over whether to test the Dutch giants’ resolve and have enquired over the possibility of landing Antony.

It is understood that Chelsea are another Premier League club showing an interest as they have already held talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Antony?

Romano understands that Antony features at the top end of ten Hag’s shortlist of targets as the opening day of the 2022/23 campaign draws ever closer.

However, the transfer guru has warned that Manchester United may find it difficult to persuade Ajax into selling another of their star players.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “Antony has always been a top target, but Ajax have already sold many important players and the last one was to Manchester United – Lisandro Martinez, of course.

“This is why, at the moment, it is not easy to negotiate with Ajax.”

What would Antony add to ten Hag’s side?

Antony is a serious force in the attacking third of the pitch, having found the back of the net 26 times and registered as many assists during the early stages of his club career.

The vast majority of those goal contributions came under the tutelage of ten Hag at Ajax, so the new Manchester United boss clearly knows how to get the best out of the Brazilian.

The Red Devils were on target less times than any other side in the Premier League’s top eight last season, so it is clear that ten Hag needs to bolster his options in that area of the pitch and Antony could prove to be the perfect solution.

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