Manchester United are reportedly set to 'give up' on their pursuit to sign Antony this summer.
Antony, 22, was earmarked as a concrete target for Erik ten Hag as part of his summer rebuild after forming a key part of his Ajax team last season. The former Sao Paulo player scored eight goals and provided four assists as Ajax won yet another Eredivisie title last season - their third in four-and-a-half years under Ten Hag.
So far this summer, Ten Hag and United have completed deals for Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, but other recruits are on the agenda. They include Frenkie de Jong and Antony.
READ MORE: United continue De Jong chase
However, there is work to do with both players and Sky Sports claim United could be about to give up on Antony - unless two things change over the coming weeks. They suggest Antony could push for his move to Old Trafford by handing in a transfer request.
Another possible option might see Ajax reduce their asking price. However, they are under no pressure to sell after sanctioning departures for Martinez, Ryan Gravenberch and others.
Elsewhere, reports from Italy suggest United will encounter competition from Juventus to sign Lazio player Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if the Old Trafford giants miss out on De Jong this summer. United will continue to pursue De Jong despite complications over his proposed move.
Should the Netherlands international stay at the Nou Camp, his mentor and former Ajax manager Ten Hag would have to look elsewhere to bolster his midfield options. It has previously been reported United were ready to offer £42million for Milinkovic-Savic and that Lazio would be willing to play ball at £59m.
The 27-year-old is also understood to be wanted by Arsenal and other potential suitors. Italian publication Corriere dello Sport credit Juventus with a strong interest in the Serbian midfielder.
MORE TO READ:
