Deal Close – Man United ‘edging closer to seal 70m rated Ajax star transfer’ after Ronaldo meeting on Tuesday

 

According to reports, Manchester United is getting closer to signing Antony from Ajax. Erik ten Hag is interested in the Brazil international regardless of what happens with Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. Though a deal is unlikely, the Red Devils are trying to make the 22-year-old their fourth signing of the summer.

 

Manchester United is looking to add a new forward to their lineup this summer.

 

They’ve lost Edinson Cavani, Mason Greenwood may never play for the club again, and Ronaldo still wants to go despite meeting with Ten Hag on Tuesday at their Carrington training center.

 

Ajax has thus far been unwilling to let Antony depart Amsterdam.

 

With eight goals and four assists in 23 Eredivisie games last season, the Samba star is regarded as a key player both now and in the future.

 

Ajax is also hesitant to lose another major player after losing Ryan Gravenberch, Lisandro Martinez, and Noussair Mazraoui in the past.

 

However, Forbes journalist Sam Pilger claims that United are ‘ching closer’ to signing Antony after Ajax reduced their asking price.

 

“Antony is getting closer to #MUFC,” he tweeted.

 

“It is said that Ajax is now willing to decrease their first outrageous asking price and work out a deal.”

 

“United is about to make another bid.”

 

Previously, it was claimed that Ajax would demand a sum of around £70 million to let rid of their prized possession.

 

However, the fact that they are now willing to do business for a lower price bodes well for United as they attempt to bolster their squad ahead of the next Premier League season.

 

If Antony moves, he might join Ten Hag’s attack on the right wing.

 

Jadon Sancho played there throughout the preseason and impressed, scoring against Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa.

 

But United need options, and Antony would provide a fresh dimension to their attack, especially considering his immense potential.

 

Liverpool has been connected with the Ajax winger as well.

 

However, a move to Anfield is improbable, with the Reds spending the majority of their transfer money on a deal for Darwin Nunez, who has arrived from Benfica.

 

If Antony joins United, he will be the club’s fourth acquisition from Ajax in the last decade.

 

In 2014, the Red Devils raided their Eredivisie rivals for Daley Blind, who had impressed in that year’s World Cup in Brazil.

 

Blind was a valuable asset, helping United win the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Europa League.

 

However, after three complete seasons in England, he was allowed to return to Ajax, where he has since become a hero.

 

When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge, United signed Donny van de Beek from the Dutch club.

 

Martinez was signed from Ajax earlier this summer, with the Argentina international set to compete for a starting spot with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Eric Bailly.

 

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Luke Chadwick urged United to sign Antony.

 

“From what I’ve seen and read about Antony, he’s an exciting, skilled player who’s done well at Ajax,” Chadwick said.

 

“It might make sense for Ten Hag to bring in players he knows and trusts, which could assist ensure the locker room is behind you, as I’ve indicated.”

 

“Obviously, there are guys in that position – Elanga, Rashford, and Sancho, who is displaying greater form now and appear to have a bright future.”

 

But you can never have too many good players, so if Antony does join the team, I’m sure everyone will be behind him.

 

“That’s how it should be – competition for positions, and whoever does well in training gets to put on the shirt and play at the weekend.”

 

“Hopefully, that will boost standards, which are required if the club is to return to its desired position towards the top of the table, rather than fifth, sixth, or seventh.”