Ajax are standing firm of their valuation of Brazilian forward Antony and have rejected a new offer from Manchester United.
The Brazilian has long been manager Erik ten Hag’s preferred attacking signing – as confirmed by 90 minutes earlier this summer – and interest from United has persisted throughout the summer, despite the club considering a number of other options in the past month.
Manchester United were prepared to meet Ajax’s then €80 million asking price at the end of July, but then after a board meeting, the Dutch champions decided to increase their valuation to €92 million (£78 million).
Such a figure would be a club-record sale, eclipsing the £77m Barcelona paid in 2019 for Frenkie de Jong, who happens to be another player United have been chasing all summer.
Ajax are preparing to return to United with a new offer before the end of the transfer window. Antony is desperate to link up with Ten Hag – who was his manager at Ajax until the end of last season – but it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will go up to £78m.
Unsurprisingly, Antony has started the Dutch season in great form, with four goals and two assists in six games so far.
