Erik ten Hag is reportedly pressing his Manchester United bosses to increase their bids for Lisandro Martinez and Antony amid Joel Glazer's transfer promise.
Co-owner Glazer promised fans Ten Hag would have the funds necessary to deliver "on-the-pitch success" during the new season at a fans' forum in June. But United have signed just one player so far this summer - left-back Tyrell Malacia, 22, from Feyenoord.
Ten Hag is hoping to add Ajax pair Martinez, 24, and Antony, 22, to his squad. The duo played a crucial role in Ajax's success under Ten Hag last term, winning the Eredivisie title. Antony scored eight league goals, while Martinez was named the club's Player of the Year.
According to The Times, United have seen offers of €50million (£42.3m) for Martinez and €60m (£50.8m) for Antony rejected by Ajax. It's believed United's bid for Antony is €20m (£16.9m) short of the Amsterdam club's asking price for the Brazilian.
Both players are said to be pushing for a move to Old Trafford and reunion with their former boss. Ajax reportedly want to bring in at least €125m (£106m) for the two players with United currently offering €110m (£93m). Martinez has also been linked with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
Ten Hag is believed to be pushing the Red Devils to get both deals over the line and that's unsurprising considering Glazer's comments last month. "It is a disappointing season," he told fans after United's sixth-place Premier League finish last term.
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"It’s a disappointing season for everyone and we're going to work hard to make next season a better season. We've always spent the money necessary to buy new players."
United are enduring their least-successful era in four decades. They haven't won a trophy since their Europa League final success in 2017 - ironically beating Ajax 2-0 in the final in Stockholm - and recorded their lowest league points tally in 32 years last season.
Ten Hag is set to miss out on his primary central midfield target as Frenkie de Jong has reportedly ruled out a move to Old Trafford. It's claimed United have agreed an initial £56.2m fee with Barcelona but the midfielder has listed 10 reasons why he shouldn't sign.
Although De Jong doesn't appear to be impressed by United, Malacia is. "It’s an incredible feeling to have joined Manchester United," he said at his unveiling. "This is a new chapter for me, a new league with new team-mates and a tremendous manager leading us.
"I know from playing against his teams in the Eredivisie, the qualities that he has and what he demands of his players. Whilst I know that I am still young and will continue to develop, I can promise the United fans that I will leave everything on the pitch every time I pull on the red shirt.
"I’ll always be thankful to Feyenoord for all they have given to me and my family. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for them. Now I’m ready to focus on the future with United, and help my new club achieve success."
