Man Utd: Talks over £68m star 'to kick on in next week' at Old Trafford

Manchester United are expecting to progress in talks over Antony ‘in the next week’ as they attempt to make a breakthrough at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Erik ten Hag has taken over as the Red Devils’ new boss, having left reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax, and the Dutchman wants Antony to follow in his footsteps by making the move from Amsterdam.

According to Sky Sports, Antony has been identified as ten Hag’s priority target when it comes to bolstering his forward options.

However, the report suggests the nine-cap Brazil international’s £68million valuation is prohibitive and Alfred Schreuder, who has succeeded ten Hag in the Ajax dugout, is not willing to sanction his exit.

It is understood that Manchester United failed with a £51million bid earlier this month and Ajax have been holding firm despite Antony’s wish to move to Old Trafford.

Chelsea are also known to be admirers of the 22-year-old as they recently held talks with his representatives.

The Premier League interest in Antony does not stop there as Liverpool have enquired about acquiring his services as well.

Jones understands that Manchester United are looking to take their pursuit of Antony up a notch over the course of the next seven days.

The transfer insider believes the Red Devils are keen to get the deal done quickly in order to avoid getting into a bidding war with Chelsea.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “They definitely expect to kick on with these conversations in the next week and see if they can make a breakthrough.

“They’re very aware that Chelsea might challenge them for his signature, so that could cause a problem because there is a possibility that Chelsea have more money to spend in that area of the field than Manchester