‘Ten Hag pushing’ - Fabrizio Romano delivers transfer update on Man Utd’s pursuit of Antony
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Fabrizio Romano has said Erik ten Hag is personally ‘pushing’ to complete a transfer for Ajax winger Antony.
The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer as the new manager begins to shape his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
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Hide AdThe Red Devils are yet to make any additions to their side, but have been linked with moves for Frenkie De Jong, Christian Eriksen and Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann.
Antony completes the quartet of stars being strongly pursued by the club, with the Times claiming United are ‘determined’ to wrap up a deal for the 22-year-old, who Ajax value at £69m.
They add United were initially hoping to sign Antony for around £40m, which could prove to be a stumbling block, with the side from the Dutch capital in no need to sell following Ryan Gravenberch’s move to Bayern Munich earlier this window.
As for Romano, he tweeted on Thursday night to say Antony is encouraging Ajax to listen to bids.
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Hide Ad“Antony situation,” he wrote. “Manchester United are really interested and already had contacts to explore potential deal - not the only club, but with ten Hag pushing.
“Been told player’s camp now asking Ajax to listen to bids for Antony this summer, even if price tag will be high.”
Antony joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in 2020, signed by Ten Hag for a fee of £18m. Since then, the attacker has gone on to make 78 appearances for the club and impressed last season, registering 12 goals and 10 assists from 32 games in all competitions.
He has also earned nine senior international caps for Brazil and is likely to be part of the group that travels to Qatar in November.
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Hide AdA move for Antony would provide a solution to United’s issues in the wide areas, and give Ten Hag a left-footed option to cut in from the right flank.
Currently his main options in that position are Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga, with Marcus Rashford playing his best football from the opposition wing, Youngsters Amad and Facundo Pellistri could also play a role in Ten Hag’s plans next season.