Man Utd swoop ‘thrown into doubt’ amid £70m twist, key target ‘delays’ transfer decision

Manchester United are widely expected to be one of the Premier League’s busier sides this summer.

The Red Devils have already parted company with five established first-team players in Paul Pogba, Edison Cavani, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and Nemanja Matic, and as well as replacing those players, new manager Erik ten Hag is likely to want to build on the remaining talent that he has at his disposal.

But a series of recent updates seemingly suggest that his recruitment process may be less straightforward than initially hoped.

With that in mind, here’s Tuesday’s United transfer news...

Antony deal in doubt

United’s proposed raid for Ajax attacker Antony has been thrown into doubt after the Red Devils were told it would cost them £70m to sign him this summer.

According to the Mirror, the Dutch giants are digging their heels in on their valuation of the Brazilian, and are aware that United’s ‘desperation’ to bring in new players grants them a certain amount of leverage in negotiations.

Despite the 22-year-old being a top target for Ten Hag, it is now suggested that any agreement could be thwarted by Ajax’s demands.

Eriksen delays decision

Christian Eriksen has delayed his decision over a potential move to United this summer, according to an update from the Mirror.

The Dane is available on a free transfer following the completion of his short-term deal with Brentford last season, and has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs in recent weeks.

The Red Devils are very much among the frontrunners to secure his signature, but it is understood that the midfielder is waiting to see how well United recruit before committing to a switch to Old Trafford.

Alongside Ten Hag’s side, Leicester City, Everton, Newcastle United, and former clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford are also said to be keen on striking an agreement.

Forest eye Williams

Brandon Williams has been identified as one of a number of defensive targets for newly promoted Nottingham Forest, according to the Daily Mail.

The full-back suffered relegation during a loan spell with Norwich City last season, and is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford next term.

For their part, Forest are in dire need of a new left-sided wing-back, and while several other options are on the table, it is understood that Williams’ versatility makes him an attractive prospect.

The report notes that United would ideally prefer to sell the player this summer, with a valuation of around £10 million touted.