Manchester United have made initial enquiries about Ajax star Antony - with Liverpool officially completing the signing of Darwin Nunez.
As reported by Sky Sports, United were keeping tabs with Nunez but the Uruguayan was "not a top priority target" for the club and they were not prepared to enter a bidding war with Liverpool. The Reds have now forked out £85million to sign the 22-year-old striker on a six-year deal at Anfield - and he is believed to earn close to around £140,000-per-week.
After learning the quoted prices for the ex-Benfica man, United never made an official offer to the Lisbon side. They are, however, desperate to bolster their ranks - and their wishlist is still filled with other potential targets including Antony.
The Brazilian was a regular starter under Ten Hag at Ajax across the last two seasons and is regarded as one of Europe's hottest prospects at just 22 years of age. Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola claimed United had even made an initial bid of £38.4m for the winger.
"Manchester United are expected to reach an agreement for Antony very soon," he said on his YouTube channel. But his agent Junior Pedroso's snap of himself and his client in Ajax's camp in Amsterdam may have raised a lot of questions amongst the United faithful as to whether an agreement had been reached by both parties.
The youngster, meanwhile, appears to be a fan of the Dutch boss. "Every player under his guidance becomes a better player thanks to his training," Antony told De Telegraaf. "Ten Hag wants to do everything to make their team play well. He has many qualities, he knows how to improve the players he coaches."
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Ten Hag has previously acknowledged that if the Brazilian left the Dutch club, it would be hard to replace him. "If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax," he said last month. "You have no-one in the current squad who can take over his position. He is top class."
With a heavy reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo, the Dutchman is looking for a new signing who will be able to chip in with goals as well as integrating in the way he wants United to play under him. Meanwhile, Ajax's Jurrien Timber, who was also a regular starter for Ten Hag and the Dutch champions, is being monitored as a potential signing.
Villareal's Pau Torres is also being viewed as a possibility despite the back line not requiring much attention. With midfield and attack the main priority, talks are still ongoing with Barcelona for the potential signing of Frenkie de Jong. The Spanish giants are reportedly willing to let their player go for a £70million fee plus add-ons.
