Several media sources and professionals have speculated that United will go to great lengths to capture the signature of the Brazilian international in the coming days.
However, it has been suggested that United may have to make a deal in excess of £80 million to persuade Ajax to sell within the current transfer window.
The 22-year-old is eager to join Manchester United after being left out of the club’s most recent squad by head coach Alfred Schreuder.
Nonetheless, Schreuder hinted on Thursday that Antony would stay, telling journalist Mike Verweij: “Antony is not training with the group, but I see him every day.”
“Nothing has changed since last Sunday. We don’t have a deadline. But I am assuming Antony will stay. He has a contract at Ajax.”
United find themselves in a position where they must consider other options, with ESPN claiming that Cody Gakpo, Christian Pulisic, and Marcus Thuram are all on their radar.
As far as Gakpo is concerned, PSV Eindhoven had no interest in entertaining discussions for the attacker while they were participating in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Given their exit to Rangers in the playoffs on Wednesday, the situation has now changed, and the Dutch outfit may be prepared to consider offers for a player who has contributed 45 goals and 37 assists from his 142 appearances for the club.
Meanwhile, Pulisic is yet to start a game for Chelsea this season with speculation persisting that he may be open to departing Stamford Bridge ahead of the World Cup later in the year.
As it stands, however, head coach Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to give the green light to any departures while the Blues still need to strengthen their squad.
Of the trio, Thuram is the player who could be available for the lowest fee with less than 12 months remaining on his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Frenchman has already chipped in with five goals and two assists from just four appearances this season, and Monchengladbach will be left with a decision to make should they receive a significant bid before the start of September.
Leave a Reply