Manchester United's primary target fuels speculation about his future
Written By
Ernest SundayA passionate sports journalist with an eye for detail.
Manchester United are expected to make some additions before the summer transfer window closes, particularly after losing their first two Premier League games to Brighton and Brentford.
The Premier League club have been linked with several European players, but have only signed three, including left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, Lisandro Martnez from Ajax, and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Christian Eriksen on a free transfer.
Ajax's 22-year-old Brazilian winger, Antony, has been one of the club's main targets since the arrival of his former manager, Erik ten Hag, at Old Trafford.
Following their interest, Manchester United have held several discussions with the gifted player's agent as well as Ajax, who had placed an €80 million price tag on the winger.
Manchester United are said to have a genuine interest in the player but have yet to reach an agreement with Ajax who Erik ten Hag sees as an ideal player to help in his rebuilding project.
Following Ajax's 6-1 victory over Groningen, Antony has fueled the speculation surrounding his possibility of leaving the Eredivisie Champions this summer.
"Will Ten Hag call me? "No idea," Antony said when asked about his future. "He has to discuss this with my agents." I am focused on here. "What will come will come; we will see."
"I feel good at Ajax." I give everything for this club, every minute... so I am loving this city and this club".
Despite Ajax's high asking price for the gifted player, Manchester United are not backing down from the deal as they still hope to bring Antony to Old Trafford this summer.
Though Manchester United have a genuine interest in Antony, they are also looking out for an alternative player and have identified PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo as a possible candidate for the position.
The 23-year-old Dutch international had previously been linked with Arsenal before the London club decided to focus on signing a midfielder instead.
Gakpo has piqued the interest of several European clubs after scoring 21 goals in 47 appearances last season. The talented player has already started the new season with three goals in five appearances, prompting PSV to place a price tag of over €50m on the player.
According to reports, Manchester United have yet to discuss or submit an official bid to PSV for his transfer but have continued to explore the possibility of signing the talent, having met with his agent.