Manchester United’s negotiations for Ajax and Brazil winger Antony are “not going to be easy” according to Fabrizio Romano.

The £31.5m-rated man has been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What’s the latest on Antony?

According to Spanish media outlet Sport, United are working on deals for Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma, as well as attempting to strike a deal with ten Hag’s former employers for the services of the 22-year-old winger.

Antony had worked under ten Hag for three years at Ajax, but the Daily Mirror suggest that the Dutch giants have reportedly slapped a £70m price tag on the 5 foot 8 winger, making it a tough deal for United to get over the line.

The news comes following reports that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Old Trafford less than a year after rejoining the Red Devils, as the striker wants the club to show more ambition.

And Romano believes that whilst there is an interest on United’s part for Antony, the club will have a difficult time trying to secure his signature.

What has Romano said about Antony?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Antony is a possibility that they are exploring since last time they had contact with these agents.

"They had contact with Ajax while they were speaking on other topics like Timber and Lisandro.

“Antony would be a really big issue for Ajax with the club having lost so many top key players with a new manager, after losing [Erik] ten Hag.

“So, this is why it's not going to be an easy negotiation.”

Will Antony join Manchester United?

It seems that whilst the Ajax superstar would be a useful addition to ten Hag’s squad, it’s going to be easier said than done getting Antony out of the Johan Cruijff ArenA this summer.

The wide man has been dubbed as a “beautiful” player by Dutch scout Piet de Visser.

Antony made 33 appearances for the Dutch giants last season, scoring 12 goals and providing ten assists according to Transfermarkt, showing that he is an all-round scorer and creator of goals, something which would be useful for ten Hag’s front line.

The six-time Brazil international is not just about goals either, as he is a very competent passer of the ball, as displayed by the fact he ranked in the top 10% and 11% of attacking midfielders/wingers across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90 minutes respectively (54.72 and 5.33) last season according to FBref, showing that the youngster is more than capable of bringing his other teammates into play, as well as himself.

And a SofaScore rating of 7.44 for the Ajax star’s performances in the Eredivisie last season suggests that he would be capable of taking his high-class performances into a stronger league such as the Premier League, given the opportunity.

A £70m price tag looks to be a lot of money, but if Antony was to hit the ground running at Old Trafford and replace Cristiano Ronaldo, he could be worth his weight in gold.