Man Utd: £68m star now 'an option' for Ten Hag at Old Trafford

Manchester United will need to meet Ajax’s demands if they want to lure Antony to Old Trafford as Lisandro Martinez’s departure from the Dutch giants could result in them blocking a move for the attacker, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils completed their first signing of the Erik ten Hag era when Tyrell Malacia joined in a £14.7million deal from Feyenoord earlier this week, but the new boss has now set his sights on raiding his former club for Antony.

According to Goal, Manchester United’s pursuit of Antony has intensified as they have tabled a £51million offer.

However, the report suggests the Red Devils have been unsuccessful in negotiations as Ajax are refusing to sanction the nine-cap Brazil international’s exit for less than £68million.

Antony’s agent has been in Europe since the early stages of the transfer window in a bid to accelerate talks, but Manchester United have been unable to reach an agreement so far.

The 22-year-old has been left frustrated by Ajax’s financial demands, with De Telegraaf – via United in Focus – revealing he sees his valuation as being ‘disproportionate’ and is hampering his chances of securing a move away from the Eredivisie’s reigning champions.

Manchester United are facing competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea, who have held talks with Antony’s representatives.

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Romano believes there is a possibility that Antony will end up joining Manchester United before the September 1 deadline.

However, the transfer guru feels central defender Martinez’s departure from Ajax could complicate matters as it would mean Antony’s current employers will not want to allow another star man to seal his exit