Ajax 'reject' Manchester United bid for Antony and more transfer rumours

Manchester United have seen a second bid for Brazilian forward Antony turned down, according to reports.

Antony, 22, was earmarked as a concrete target for Erik ten Hag as part of his summer rebuild after forming a key part of his Ajax team last season. The former Sao Paulo player scored eight goals and provided four assists as Ajax won yet another Eredivisie title — their third in four-and-a-half years under Ten Hag.

So far this summer, Ten Hag and United have struck up deals for three players, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, but other recruits are on the agenda. They include Frenkie de Jong and Antony.

READ MORE: United fans impressed by Eriksen cameo

However, it appears there is work for United to do if they're to sign Antony this summer, while issues with De Jong have been well-documented, as well. Reports from Goal state United had an initial £50million bid rejected by Ajax before returning with an improved offer.

The same publication says that still fell someway short of their £67million valuation. Antony only signed for Ajax in 2020 and has played 79 games for the Amsterdam giants in all competitions.

Elsewhere, reports from Italy suggest United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. It's been claimed the Lazio midfielder has been identified as an alternative option to De Jong should he continue to reject a United move..

Milinkovic-Savic, 27, could be available for around £50million this summer and Il Mattino claim that Lazio would be willing to sell the Serbia international if their valuation is met. However, the same publication reports Arsenal are at the front of the queue for his sought-after signature.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly