Manchester United have been offered fresh hope of landing winger Antony with Ajax’s technical director Gerry Hamstra refusing to rule out his departure this summer.
The Brazil international has emerged as United’s top attacking target for the transfer window, but they are still far off from reaching an agreement with the Eredivisie champions.
An opening proposal of around £50.5 million (€60m) was made earlier this month, but Ajax are firm on their current valuation of £67.3m (€80m) for the 22-year-old.
Still, United have not given up on landing him, and they have been offered renewed hope with Hamstra acknowledging that Antony could still head for the exit door.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport Voetbal, he said on Antony: “We have said that we want to keep this squad together. But I also always say: ask me again in 5 minutes, because sometimes you never know. But let me clear that our intention is to keep this squad together.”
Man Utd could make late push for Antony
United were initially keen on landing a new centre-forward this summer, but the failure to pursue Darwin Nunez from Benfica has turned their focus towards signing a wide player instead.
Antony is obviously the prime transfer target for Ten Hag. There are no surprises, considering he was a key part of his Ajax side over the past two seasons, predominantly from the right wing.
Their opening proposal was deemed insufficient, but United could make another raid towards the end of the transfer window as Antony appears back to full fitness following his ankle injury.
The issue was much more serious than initially predicted. The winger was absent for Ajax’s recent pre-season tour, but seems to have recovered well, having started against Shakhtar Donetsk yesterday.
If Antony moves to United, he will most certainly operate from the right wing where Jadon Sancho has excelled during pre-season. However, the latter could easily play from the other flank.
Antony registered an impressive 12 goals and 10 assists from 32 outings for Ajax last term before his injury setback. His purchase should be worthwhile as he is only entering the prime of his career.
