It's been an underwhelming start to the summer transfer window for Manchester United, and now they've been told they must spend £106.1million if they are to sign both Lisandro Martinez and Antony.
United have only made one signing so far this summer, with Tyrell Malacia becoming Erik ten Hag 's first and only new player since arriving at the club. The Dutchman is close to bringing in Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, and United have been stumped by constant delays in a potential move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
The Red Devils ar e under pressure to make signings, and Ajax were always expecting a raid from their boss at some point. And according to the Daily Record, they've now slapped a combined price-tag of £106.1m for duo Antony and Martinez amid interest from United.
It's often you see a former manager return to his old side as they look to strengthen their new squad. Of course, when you know what you've been working with, it's a safe bet when you know how you can improve your new squad instantly.
But unless United pay up, Ajax aren't having any of it this summer. United may have been too slow, as Ajax have already let three first team stars go, and they're under no pressure to sell any other assets this summer.
Ajax have already sold Sebastien Haller this summer to Borussia Dortmund, while both Ryan Gravenberch and Noussair Mazraoui have joined Bayern Munich. United have been sniffing around for the likes of Jurrien Timber, Martinez and Antony since the start of the window, but now Ajax have set their price.
There is some hope that a deal could be reached though as Ajax have just confirmed the signing of Steven Bergwijn from Tottenham, who joins the Dutch champions in a deal worth £28m. However, they're still in profit for the summer, and they certainly will be if United meet their valuation.
United have only spent £12m so far this summer, but it was revealed that Ten Hag wasn't going to be handed 'unlimited funds' to strengthen his side. A budget of £100m was speculated, with the United CEO admitting that they are short of funds.
CEO Richard Arnold admitted to fans that the club has 'burned through cash' with their poor transfer decisions, as United made substantial losses on Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba while paying through the nose for Fred, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag will have to suffer as a result, where his predecessors have enjoyed free reign.
If United are strict with their £100m budget, then they will be priced out by Ajax, leaving them to prioritise either Antony or Martinez. But the situation becomes even more tricky when the De Jong deal is factored in.
De Jong's move from Barcelona has stalled, with confusion arising over the Dutchman's intentions. However, if a deal does go through then United are expected to pay £60m to the Catalan side.
But with De Jong's potential fee, and Malacia's combined, that only leaves around £28m to spend, which would mean that both Martinez and Antony become too expensive. United are still expected to sell, with Cristiano Ronaldo the main asset heading for the exit door.
