Man Utd exit talks held for Antony amid interest from Premier League rivals, Benfica & Atletico Madrid

Manchester United forward Antony is reportedly the subject of interest from several clubs heading into the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

The Brazilian spent the second half of last season on loan at La Liga side Real Betis, as he revived his form in Spain after a miserable two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax man was signed by Erik ten Hag for £86m in the summer of 2022 but failed to live up to the price tag. He enjoyed a fruitful spell with Betis after joining in January and is said to be keen to return to the club ahead of the new campaign.

However, Betis have so far struggled to meet United’s demands for a permanent deal with the La Liga club only able to afford another loan move for the player with an earlier offer to cover a greater portion of the player’s salary.

Several clubs interested in Antony with Benfica holding talks

According to Caught Offside, Benfica have held two rounds of talks about a potential loan move for Antony but United only want a permanent deal for the winger. Atletico Madrid, Brighton and Hove Albion and RB Leipzig are also interestedas they keep tabs on the player’s situation.

With no European football, United’s transfer budget has only stretched to around £100m for new arrivals. That approximate budget was used up with the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

However, a deal has since been agreed to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74m - pushing the club’s spending over £200m. It means player sales are imperative in order to balance the books before the window shuts.

The Red Devils need to sell Antony for around £32.5m to avoid making a loss on profit and sustainability and with Marcus Rashford already leaving on loan - the Red Devils will be resistant to further temporary exits.

Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are other players expected to leave while Rasmus Hojlund’s future has been thrown into doubt with Sesko’s arrival.

Ruben Amorim previous comments on Antony

Amorim insisted last month the wantaway Red Devils players will only leave the club if their transfer valuations are met.

He said: "That is not the case because there are different reasons for the players [wanting to leave]. Some players have to find a new place to have space in the team. Other players show they want a new challenge and a new team.

"We are just allowing these players to think and decide. If they reach a point where they will have to join the team, they will join because they are our players.

"I know for a fact Omar (Barrada, CEO) and Jason (Wilcox, director of football) and the club have a number (price) for these players. If they don't reach that, they will be Manchester United players, no doubt about that. I understand other clubs are maybe waiting for the last minute, but they can have a surprise.

"I'm ready to receive the players. They have more competition. If they want to play in the World Cup, they need to play. I'm happy with that because I'll have more options. If they have to fight each other to play, for me it's perfect."