TalkSPORT reporter: Man Utd face new stumbling block over key £70m Ten Hag target

Manchester United target Antony is proving to be too expensive for the club, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Erik ten Hag is thought to be keen on bringing the Brazilian to Old Trafford, but Ajax have reportedly slapped a massive £70m valuation on his head.

At the end of last month, the Daily Mirror reported that Ten Hag wanted to raid his former club for Antony.

However, according to the same outlet, a deal for the 22-year-old is in doubt after Ajax informed United that he would cost £70m.

While signing Antony is proving to be a difficult task, the Red Devils have had success with his team-mate Lisandro Martinez, who has decided to swap the Johan Cruyff Arena for Old Trafford.

Crook has told GIVEMESPORT that the Eredivisie champions are in a strong position with Antony having sold Sebastien Haller to Borussia Dortmund.

On United’s interest in the former Sao Paolo winger, Crook said: “At the minute, the cost is prohibitive, and Ajax are in quite a strong position because they’ve already sold Sebastien Haller.

“If they sell Martinez as well, that’s a decent transfer kitty. I think Jurrien Timber has been persuaded partly by Louis van Gaal not to leave, but they can still afford to put a premium on Antony’s head.”

It is pretty clear that Ten Hag wants Antony, so United should be doing everything they reasonably can to sign the Brazil international.

Bringing in players the Dutchman has worked with before is going to help him implement his philosophy at Old Trafford quicker. However, £70m is a lot of money for a 22-year-old who is obviously not the finished product yet.

Considering that, the Manchester club should be looking at alternatives, and Serge Gnabry could have been perfect before he signed a new deal