Manchester United ramp up £51m Antony interest and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are ramping up their summer interest in Antony and have held talks with Ajax over a proposed £51million transfer - according to reports. United have turned their attentions to Antony with Darwin Nunez on the verge of a blockbuster move to bitter rivals Liverpool.

As part of their impending rebuild under Erik ten Hag, who was appointed after four and a half years in Amsterdam himself, United want to recruit a centre-back, at least one central midfielder and a versatile forward such as Antony. He is well known to Ten Hag on the back of their time together at Ajax.

Antony, 22, scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists for the Eredivisie champions in all competitions last season. His contract there runs until 2025, but reports from Goal suggest Ajax would be willing to strike up a deal with Ten Hag and United for around £51million.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag faces another Manchester United dilemma nobody is talking about

Goal claims representatives for the Brazilian have touched down in Europe to finalise a switch. Sau Paulo would be due to pocket 20 per cent having inserted a sell-on clause into his contract when the 6-cap international headed to the Netherlands from his hometown club in 2020.

Elsewhere, departing midfielder Paul Pogba is closing in on a return move to Juventus in a deal worth £68million to the player over four years. Juventus remain front-runners for his signature, amid further interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid and PSG.

Pogba, 29, spent four seasons in Turin either side of his two spells with United. He will depart Old Trafford on a free transfer for the second time when his contract expires this month.

Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport report Pogba is leaning towards Juventus