Ajax star and Manchester United target Antony reportedly fears he could be priced out of a move to Old Trafford this summer.
The Red Devils finally revealed the first signing of Erik ten Hag's tenure earlier this week, capturing Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord in a £13million deal. United remain locked in talks for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong and Antony's Ajax team-mate Lisandro Martinez, while free agent Christian Eriksen has also agreed to join the squad this summer.
Antony remains another target for Ten Hag in the current window, but the Brazilian is understood to be harbouring concerns that a desired move to Old Trafford may not come to fruition. With Ajax holding out for an astronomical fee, United appear to have some reservations.
According to the Telegraph, the Eredivisie champions expect £70m in exchange for Antony this summer - a figure thought to be substantially superior to United's valuation and one which far exceeds what they are thought to be prepared to pay out. Ajax's demands are said to have left the winger fearing he could well be priced out of a move to Manchester.
Evidently, the Amsterdam-based outfit don't appear willing to give up the 22-year-old without a fight and are understood to be eager to retain the services of one of their prized assets in the current window meaning. At present, there is thought to be scepticism surrounding a potential move for Antony to Old Trafford this summer.
Not only that, but it appears Ten Hag's priorities currently lie elsewhere. As United continue to battle with Premier League rivals Arsenal in the race to sign Martinez, the Dutchman is thought to have made the versatile defender his priority.
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United are currently negotiating with Ajax over the Argentine ace having tabled a £40m bid for Martinez over the weekend. That figure remains short of the Dutch champions' £45m asking price - a valuation which Ajax appear adamant on sticking to.
United's offer is, however, understood to be greater than those proposed by Arsenal, who have thus far made three attempts to strike a deal for Martinez in the current window. The Red Devils are thought to remain hopeful of reaching a compromise with Ajax, having seen a £35m offer knocked back last week.
As reported by Mirror Sport back then, Martinez has informed his current club of his desire to play in the Premier League next season. The centre-back, who can also be deployed on the left of defence and in midfield, has since reiterated that aim as Ajax continue to stand their ground and make a transfer toilsome.
United also appear to be close to completing a deal for Eriksen - another player who has seemingly emerged as a greater priority than Anthony. The Danish playmaker, who revived his career at Brentford during the second half of last season following his life-threatening episode at Euro 2020 last summer, is expected to undergo extensive medical examinations before officially putting pen to paper and joining Ten Hag's team.
With all that in mind, it is thought Malacia could well be the only new face on United's flight to Bangkok this Friday. The Red Devils are due to play Liverpool in Thailand next Tuesday before moving on to Australia.
The second leg of the club's pre-season tour will see Ten Hag's side first travel to Melbourne to taken on Melbourne City and Crystal Palace, before heading to Perth where they will meet Aston Villa. The race is on to secure some signings before then.
