Manchester United may need to spend as much as £60million in order to tempt Ajax into sanctioning Antony's move to Old Trafford, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Erik ten Hag was appointed as the Red Devils' new boss following the conclusion of last season, but the Dutchman is still waiting to complete his first signing of the transfer window - although reports on Sunday suggest he is closing in on Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What's the latest news involving Antony?

It is understood that Ajax have slapped a £69million price tag on Antony as they look to deter Manchester United from making their move.

However, according to The Sun, a big-money deal is edging closer and Red Devils officials were due in Amsterdam earlier this week.

The report suggests the 20-time English top flight champions are looking to test Ajax's resolve by putting forward a proposal worth £40million, but it falls some way short of the Eredivisie giants' asking price.

Antony is a star ten Hag knows well, having selected the winger on 79 occasions during their time together at Ajax. Antony repaid the faith by notching 22 goals and registering a further 20 assists.

But Manchester United are not the only Premier League side monitoring Antony's situation as Chelsea have also held talks with the Brazilian's representatives.

What has Ryan Taylor said about Antony?

Taylor believes Manchester United and Ajax are £20million apart in their valuation of Antony.

The journalist feels the Red Devils need to take negotiations up a gear if they want to stand a chance of having a successful first season under ten Hag.

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Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: "I think there is leverage to do a deal, but only if United pay what's required.

"At the moment, that looks to be closer to £60million than the £40million that United would be willing to offer.

"I think United need to up the ante in their pursuit of new signings because the longer the window rumbles on, the more selling clubs are going to be looking to pull the wool over their eyes in terms of asking prices.

"They need to get a move on because they're so far behind these other clubs. They can't afford to waste too long on the likes of Frenkie de Jong. There's certainly other areas of the squad that need reinforcements."

Does Antony want to move to Old Trafford?

It is understood that Antony is determined to seal a reunion with ten Hag and, as a result, convincing him to put pen-to-paper should not be a problem for Manchester United.

That does not come as a surprise as the 22-year-old took to social media to confirm ‘I will always stand with you if you need me’ after ten Hag left Ajax for Old Trafford.

Antony appears to have taken matters into his own hands and is potentially attempting to force through a move after being absent as his Ajax team-mates returned for pre-season training on Friday.