Deal Agreed – Erik Ten Hag and Man United fans very excited as £85m rated fifth signing reach full agreement

Ajax rejected Manchester United’s £76.3 million (€90 million) bid for Brazil international Antony this week; the winger previously worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at the Eredivisie winners; United has until Thursday’s transfer deadline to complete the transaction.

Manchester United are nearing an agreement with Ajax for forwarding Antony.

United’s current offer is reported to be close to Ajax’s €100 million (£85 million) asking price, which includes add-ons.

Antony was left out of Ajax’s squad for Sunday’s game against Utrecht while negotiations between the clubs continued.

Personal terms are not likely to be an issue in this transaction, which is expected to close within the next 24 to 48 hours.

However, work remains to be done on both sides, with Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder keen to keep Antony.

If he is allowed to leave, Ajax intends to replace him. If they can’t, they must decide whether to keep the player or accept the higher fee.

United has been after the 22-year-old for several weeks and had an offer of £67.9 million (€80 million) rejected earlier this week.

United has also considered other options. They are interested in Barcelona striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will continue to monitor his position. Chelsea is interested in signing Aubameyang.

Cody Gakpo of PSV Eindhoven remains a target for Manchester United. It has been said that signing both Antony and Gakpo is “unlikely but not impossible.”

Antony stated on YouTube on Friday, “Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to advise Ajax of my wish to leave the club to confront a new challenge and that some interested clubs will arrive and, with them, undoubtedly a big offer.”

“Meetings concluded during the window months, including a request from Ajax for contract renewal,” I stated unequivocally that I intend to leave the club.

“I expressed my interest in leaving the club today in a meeting with the board, this time with a substantial offer on the table.” Others have already come, but Ajax usually refuses, claiming that it only has five days to replace them (me).

“I’m not asking Ajax to release me; I’m asking Ajax to sell me as the biggest bid received by an Eredivisie player.”

Antony would be reunited with ex-Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, who has already signed defender Lisandro Martinez from his former club.

“I was really pleased in Amsterdam; I won trophies with Ajax, developed friends, and built a portion of my career,” Antony said. “But now I am ready and full of drive to follow my tale and my aspirations.”

“People must listen to me and recognize that my motivation leads me to happiness.” This is necessary for me to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always have a special place in my heart.”

The transfer window shuts at 11 p.m. on Thursday, giving United four days following Sunday to finalize any other transactions.