Journalist: Liverpool in talks to hijack 'wonderful' Man Utd target after Jota injury

Liverpool are reportedly interested in snapping up Ajax attacker Antony this summer, as they look to beat rivals Manchester United to his signature.

The 22-year-old winger has been an impressive performer for Ajax in recent years, playing a big part in them winning two Eredivisie titles in a row.

Antony scored eight goals and registered four assists in the league last season and his overall tally of 42 goal contributions (22 goals and 20 assists) in 78 games for Ajax outlines his potential, thriving under now United boss Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils have been consistently linked with a move for the Brazilian this summer, but it could be that Liverpool are ready to swoop in and hijack the deal.

According to Yahoo journalist Jorge Nicola on Twitter [via Sport Witness], United are ‘not alone’ in showing an interest and the Reds are ‘keeping negotiations’ with Ajax, as well as with the player’s agent, Junior Pedroso.

It is thought to be ‘very possible’ that Antony secures a move away from Ajax this month, and while it isn’t specified who are the favourites to sign him, Liverpool are believed to be coming on ‘strong’.

There is no denying Antony’s quality as a footballer – he was once described as ‘wonderful’ by scout Piet de Visser – but whether or not Liverpool need him is a different story.

In Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Darwin Nunez, Jurgen Klopp has five exceptional attacking options at his disposal, all of whom will be battling for minutes moving forward.

For that reason, it is easier to envisage him moving to United, but perhaps a serious diagnosis on Jota’s recent injury could change that tune. The Portugal international can fill in all three positions across the front three, so losing his