Erik ten Hag signed Antony at Ajax in the summer of 2020 and is keen to be reunited with the winger at Manchester United; the 22-year-old scored 12 goals and claimed 10 assists as Ajax won the Eredivisie and reached the Champions League knockout stages last season
Monday 22 August 2022 06:20, UK
Manchester United are likely to go in with an improved offer to sign Ajax winger Antony but the Dutch team's manager has taken a swipe at United's lack of Champions League football.
United are thought to be encouraged that Antony's omission from the Ajax squad for Sunday's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam is the latest indication the player wants to move to Old Trafford.
One source has told Sky Sports News the player is "not mentally right" to play following United's £67.9m (€80m) bid.
United are reluctant to pay more than £67.9m but are now exploring a new offer with an improved structure of payments.
United are prepared to walk away from a deal if the numbers are too high and remain interested in PSV's Cody Gakpo and Chelsea's Christian Pulisic. Pulisic was named on the substitutes' bench for Chelsea's trip to Elland Road to play Leeds on Sunday.
But Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder is confident Antony will remain at the club and he appeared to take a swipe at the fact that United are not playing in the Champions League.
"I have a good feeling about it. Of course, it's difficult. I understand the lad," Schreuder said after Ajax's win on Sunday. "But he plays for Ajax, so these clubs do come knocking on the door. We are playing in the Champions League and I don't think Manchester United are."
When asked if Ajax could afford to turn down bids of €90 or €100 million, he replied: "I don't know, that's for the club to decide, but I think we are very strong financially.
"As I already said today, the money involved nowadays is ridiculous, of course. But if you look at our group, since I arrived we have already sold five or six key players. I disapprove if we were to sell another player."
United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to be reunited with Antony, who he signed for Ajax in the summer of 2020. The pair won two Eredivisie titles and the Dutch Cup during their time together in Amsterdam.
The 22-year-old was a key part of Ajax's side last year, scoring 12 goals and assisting 10 more to help the team to the title and the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Manchester United have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid to sign midfielder Casemiro.
United will pay £70m (£60m plus £10m in add-ons) for the 30-year-old. The transfer is subject to the agreement of personal terms, UK visa requirements and a medical.
Casemiro is expected to arrive in the UK shortly to undergo a medical and sign a four-year contract with United, which has the option of a further year.
Who will be on the move this summer when the transfer window opens on June 10 and closes at 11pm on September 1?
Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports' digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
