Manchester United have been told it will cost them £70million to sign Ajax forward Antony. New United boss Erik ten Hag wanted to raid his former club to sign the versatile Brazil star, but Ajax's huge valuation has thrown the deal into doubt.
United are close to agreeing a £68m deal with Barcelona for another of Ten Hag's former Ajax players, midfielder Frenkie de Jong. It is understood a deal with United paying around £55m up front, plus £13m in add-ons, is close to being agreed between the two clubs.
But United could be thwarted in their efforts to add Antony and his Ajax team-mate, defender Lisandro Martinez, as well as Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malcaia. Arsenal submitted a £35m bid for Argentina international Martinez yesterday, with United needing to move quickly by submitting a better offer.
The Gunners made Ajax aware of their interest last week and followed that up by submitting a formal bid for the 24-year-old centre-back. That could spark Manchester United into entering the race for Martinez, after failing in their efforts to land his Ajax team-mate Jurrien Timber.
Ten Hag made central-back Timber his No.1 defensive target, but the Dutch international was advised not to make the move by Holland coach and former Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal. Timber took on board van Gaal's advice and decided a move to United, with the World Cup less than six months away, was too much of a risk at this stage of his career.
Dutch international Malacia is also wanted by Ten Hag, but United's failure to submit a bid to Feyenoord is likely to see them miss out on him, with Lyon having agreed to pay £15m for the highly-rated full-back.
United's efforts to make signings are being thwarted by the fact clubs know they are desperate for players, so are holding out for as much money as possible in transfer fees.
Another United target, Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, is waiting to see the calibre of players the Red Devils sign before making a decision on his future. Eriksen, a free agent after his short-term deal with Brentford expired, has offers from Thomas Frank's club, as well as United, Leicester, Everton, Newcastle and former club Tottenham.
United, whose players returned for pre-season training today, have yet to make any signings this summer, with fans becoming increasingly angry. Having lost five established first-team players in Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani, United are under huge pressure to strengthen their squad.
United Fans are understandably frustrated with their club's lack of activity in the transfer market, with their rivals, including Manchester City and Liverpool, both having strengthened with new signings.
