Manchester United's hopes of landing Ajax forward Antony took a massive step forward on Wednesday night when the Brazilian international handed in a transfer request.
Antony’s adviser informed the Dutch champions that he wants to join Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after Ajax rejected an offer of £72.3million last week. Antony has already told United that personal terms will be a formality.
And he is already looking at houses in the Manchester area. United offered Ajax £63.2million up front with add ons worth a further £8.3million. The Amsterdam club do not want to sell after losing Ten Hag and several members of the squad that won the title last season.
They indicated it would take an offer of £84.5million to force the issue. But Antony went on strike on Friday when he refused to train - and was left out of the squad for the clash at Sparta Rotterdam. He has now made his determination to leave official - and wants the move sorted inside the next 48 hours.
The Brazilian is contracted to Ajax until 2025. But he believes he had an agreement in place that would enable him to leave if the right offer was made. He cost Ajax £14million from Sao Paulo and has forced his way into Brazil’s squad.
Antony has previously refused to commit his future and, when asked by De Telegraaf, he recently admitted: “No, to be perfectly honest, I can't. What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone.
"In the end, God determines my future. I am very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and I will give everything for this beautiful club for every second.
"I wear the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home. If we all decide that I will stay here, then I know that this is the best thing for me and the club. It’s not like I have to leave. Now I am focusing on playing football and have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best.”
Current Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has been keen to remind his player that they can offer Champions League football, whilst United cannot. He said: "I understand Antony. But you play for Ajax. We are playing Champions League football. I don't think Man Utd are playing Champions League football. "
