Man Utd: Ajax respond to mammoth Antony offer as ‘likely’ transfer option comes to light | Football | Sport
Manchester United have finally made their play for Ajax winger Antony but will have to put more money on the table to secure Erik ten Hag’s priority attacking transfer target this summer. The Red Devils have reportedly seen a huge offer rejected by Ajax as they rush to bolster Ten Hag’s squad before the deadline.
According to The Athletic, Ajax have turned away a £67.5m bid for the 22-year-old after United finally made an official approach for his signature. And after being rebuffed by the Dutch Eredivisie champions, club chiefs aren’t optimistic about sealing a deal amid reluctance to increase their offer.
United were expected to field their first official bid for the exciting Brazilian this week, and there would’ve been confidence at Old Trafford that £67.5m – thought to be Ajax’s initial valuation – would’ve been enough. But the rejection could see the Premier League giants take their search elsewhere in the Netherlands, with another in their sights.
The report adds that PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo is now considered the more likely attacking arrival of the two. The 23-year-old has a gentleman’s agreement with PSV that any suitable offers would be considered this summer, and he could soon be the subject of one from United.
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The Telegraph report United are now entirely turning their focus towards Gakpo after their failed blockbuster attempt to lure Antony to M16. He is expected to cost around £34m, significantly less than what Ajax are demanding for their most-prized asset.
It’s claimed that Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco is an alternative to both, with the La Liga outfit ready to sell him for £25.5m. United also hold an interest in a potential loan deal for Christian Pulisic, who is understood to be open to leaving Chelsea for the club he supported as a child.
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