Antony has started the clock on a 48-hour deadline to complete a move to Manchester United.
The winger has emerged as the Red Devils' top target for the summer window, with Erik ten Hag keen to boost his attacking options. But Ajax have been reluctant to sell the Brazilian, having already seen 10 players leave the Johan Cruyff Arena permanently.
The player himself though has grown increasingly restless in Amsterdam, with Mirror Football reporting on Wednesday night that he has handed in a transfer request. The deal appears to have been reignited by that decision, with United now preparing to submit a fresh bid.
The Red Devils saw an offer in the region of £72million rejected by Ajax last week, but Antony appears to be determined to secure a move to Old Trafford. It is understood that his adviser has informed Ajax of his client's desire to link back up with Ten Hag.
Ajax are insisting that it will take a bid of at least £84m to convince them to sell. But Antony then took the decision to go and strike, refusing to train last Friday and being left out of the squad that defeated Sparta Rotterdam.
He has now made that desire to leave official by handing in a transfer request to club chiefs at the Johan Cruyff Arena. And he has set a deadline of the next 48 hours for Ajax to come to an agreement with United.
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The winger is said to have already informed the Red Devils that personal terms would be a formality. That means that it just a fee between the fee the clubs that is standing in the way of a deal being done.
Ajax do hold the stronger position in negotiations, with Antony contracted to the club for another three years. But the Brazilian international has refused to commit his future to the Eredivisie champions.
“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," he told De Telegraaf. "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.”
United have just a week to agree terms with Ajax before the transfer window slams shut. It appears they will get a helping hand from Antony, who looks likely to attempt to force through a transfer.
