Manchester United remain interested in signing Ajax striker Antony this summer amid doubts over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Erik ten Hag is in the process of shaping the Red Devils to his liking ahead of the 2022-23 campaign and fresh faces could yet be added to his set-up.
Who have Manchester United signed so far this summer?
The first new face to arrive through the doors at Old Trafford was Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia to provide competition for Luke Shaw after a £13 million fee was agreed.
A free agent came next in the form of experienced playmaker Christian Eriksen. There were serious doubts over his future after his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 but he showed he still had plenty to offer in the second half of last season with Brentford, providing four assists and a goal in 11 games.
Ten Hag pounced on the 30-year-old after he became available and will likely be hoping he can ease the burden currently on Bruno Fernandes.
Lisandro Martinez became the third and most recent signing for the club this summer. The 24-year-old centre-back is very familiar with Ten Hag having spent three years at Ajax under him and the pair have been reunited at Old Trafford.
But United remain interested in adding more names to their squad. They have been chasing another Ajax star in the form of forward Antony but have already seen a £51 million bid rejected with the Dutch champions eyeing a fee of £68 million.
With Ronaldo still absent after it emerged he wants to leave the club this summer, it is a deal that could well become a more pressing priority as the days tick by.
What has Jones said on Ronaldo’s situation impacting Antony?
Sheth, however, insists that United were interested in moving for Antony even before the saga with Ronaldo sparked into life this summer, but warned there remains a big gap in valuation between the sides.
Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “I think even before Ronaldo announced what he wanted to do there was an interest in Antony. I think that interest remains. I think that what United would have been prepared to pay Ajax is well short of what Ajax’s valuation of Antony is.”
What is the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo?
The jubilation that met Ronaldo’s return 12 months ago has given way to frustration after the 38-year-old reportedly made it clear that he wants to leave this summer.
After United failed to qualify for the Champions League, the Portuguese icon is apparently desperate to remain in the competition moving forward and his agent has held meetings with multiple clubs over a potential move.
Last season saw Ronaldo score 18 Premier League goals upon his return to the English top-flight but with him yet to report to training, pressure is growing on United to take decisive action regarding the club legend.