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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

Ajax manager responds after Antony goes on strike to force Man Utd transfer

Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder insists Antony's situation "hasn't changed" after the player went on strike to force a move to Manchester United.

It's believed the Brazilian, 22, is refusing to play for Ajax until his future is resolved. The Red Devils are trying to sign him before the window closes on September 1 and it's believed they are close to agreeing a €100million (£84m) transfer fee with the Dutch giants.

United boss Erik ten Hag brought Antony from Sao Paulo to Ajax two years ago and he's flourished in the Netherlands since, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists in 57 Eredivisie games. The nine-cap international has helped them win two league titles and one cup.

Ajax travelled to Utrecht on Sunday afternoon for their latest Eredivisie clash and Schreuder, who succeeded Ten Hag earlier this summer, was asked about Antony's future. The forward was absent for the game, despite being fully fit.

"The Antony situation hasn't changed compared to last week," said Schreuder told ESPN before the game. "We discuss it internally every day, also with the player. He reports himself at the club and we speak. But I want to focus on the players we have here, for now Antony is not important."

Ajax are determined to keep Antony on their books. They've already rejected a £74.6m bid from United and are holding out for at least £84m. According to The Athletic, the Red Devils are close to agreeing the latter fee and will aim to complete the deal shortly.

Antony is currently on strike (Getty Images)

Do you think Antony is worth £84million? Let us know in the comments below!

It's believed the fee is £84m after add-ons and it's unclear what United will pay now. Club chiefs are said to be confident of completing the deal before the deadline. Personal terms and the player's medical are not expected to be a problem.

"If a good player is available, we will strike because we want to strengthen the squad," said Ten Hag after United's 1-0 win against Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday afternoon. "We will be alert until the last second of the window."

Ajax don't want to lose Antony after selling a number of players this summer, including Sebastien Haller, Nicolas Tagliafico, Perr Schuurs, Ryan Gravenberch and Lisandro Martinez - with the latter joining Ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Speaking before the weekend, Schreuder said: "What he wants... there is nothing I can do about that. He has a contract with Ajax. We already sold many players, our players have ambition. I am confident that he will be playing for Ajax in one week from now."

Antony has been chasing a move to Old Trafford all summer. In June, he told Ten Hag: "I want to wish you all the best at your new club. I also want to thank you for everything you taught me. I am thankful [for] all the opportunities and learning every day. Know that I will always stand with you if you need me."

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has previously said: "If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax. You have no one in the current squad who can take over his position. He is top class."

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