Manchester United are planning a new offer of €100 million for 22-year-old winger Antony, with Erik ten Hag desperate to add the Brazilian to his squad.
After being linked with the Ajax star for most of the transfer window, United fans believed their chance to sign him was dead and buried once they added Lisandro Martinez to their squad.
The 24-year-old defender was another key man for the Eredivisie side last term and it seemed unlikely that they would allow the Reds to take their manager and two of their best players during his first summer with the English club.
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On Wednesday, it was reported by David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic that Ten Hag's side returned to the table with an €80 million offer for the player. That was refused by Ajax.
It was added that United chiefs were not confident in prising the talented winger away from the Amsterdam-based club.
Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven was seen as a more likely deal to be completed.
However, since those reports there have been some extremely interesting developments.
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On Friday afternoon, Fabrizio Romano explained that United would try again for Antony despite their latest offer being rejected.
He said that United are not giving up on the deal and feel the player really wants the move.
The Italian journalist importantly added that it is not guaranteed that Antony will start for Ajax in their league fixture against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
This was then followed up by the news from the reliable Mike Verweij that the wide man did not appear on the training pitch for Ajax on Friday.
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Romano also mentioned that he was in the gym at the training ground, but did not work with the team.
Following on from this, Gerjan Hamstelaar reported that a new and improved contract offer from Ajax was offered to the player, but his intention is to get a move to Old Trafford.
Most recently, Santi Aouna has broke the news of the latest offer in the works from United, which matches the extraordinary valuation that Ajax have placed on the winger.
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He said that the Reds are prepping a new offer which includes €80 million up front for the Brazil international, with €20 million in add-ons to complete the package.
It was mentioned that this offer could finally be accepted by the Dutch champions.
With personal terms seemingly an easy operation, with the player desperate for the move, it seems like this deal could be completed soon.
His fellow countryman Casemiro is also close to joining the Red Devils. The Real Madrid midfielder is set for his United medical this weekend.
Topics: Manchester United, Transfers, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Erik Ten Hag, Antony, Ajax, Premier League, Football
Cain Smith