Manchester United made it consecutive Premier League wins with a gritty victory over Southampton on Saturday, but the work continues in the transfer market.
Erik ten Hag will be feeling better about his squad following two wins and the addition of Casemiro. Yet there is more to be done ahead of the transfer deadline at 11pm on Thursday, with a deal for Ajax star Antony the top priority.
The Brazilian forward is desperate to be reunited with Ten Hag in Manchester, but for now the Dutch club are playing hard ball. Antony isn’t the only possible arrival, though, with other forwards and a goalkeeper on the cards at Old Trafford.
Here Mirror Football updates you with the latest news and rumours from the club.
Antony move gathering pace
Ajax are looking at Aston Villa’s Anwar El Ghazi as a replacement for Antony after he went on strike, Mirror Football understands.
Antony is refusing to play for the Dutch champions in their Eredivisie clash at Utrecht on Sunday to try and break a stalemate with Ajax after United had a £76.3 million bid rejected.
El Ghazi is a distinct possibility, having started his career with the club in Amsterdam. The Egyptian winger is in the final year of his contract and has fallen out of favour under Steven Gerrard. Villa are happy to let the 27-year-old leave for just £8m.
Aubameyang and Depay ‘can’t be ruled out’
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has admitted that he cannot guarantee that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay will stay with the club beyond the end of the transfer window.
Barca have now registered Jules Kounde to play in La Liga, but still could sell one of the two forwards. Manchester United are among the clubs to have been linked with Aubameyang, who could join Chelsea, while Depay is being considered for a return to Old Trafford.
“I don’t rule out any situation, Aubameyang leaving or staying, Memphis [Depay] leaving or staying, and the same for many other players we have,” Xavi said ahead of Barca's game against Real Valladolid. "I contemplate any possible scenario from now until the end of the transfer market.”
Dubravka progress
Martin Dubravka has moved a step closer to becoming a Manchester United player.
According to Sky Sports, the Newcastle United goalkeeper has now agreed personal terms with United, who want to take the Slovakia international on loan with an option to buy for £5m. Negotiations will continue because Newcastle would prefer a straight transfer, after new signing Nick Pope established himself as the club’s number one.
United have settled on Dubravka, who is under contract with the Magpies until June 2025, after looking at Yann Sommer and Kevin Trapp. They need a second-choice keeper behind David de Gea after Dean Henderson joined Nottingham Forest on loan.
