Manchester United are expecting to progress in talks over Antony 'in the next week' as they attempt to make a breakthrough at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Erik ten Hag has taken over as the Red Devils' new boss, having left reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax, and the Dutchman wants Antony to follow in his footsteps by making the move from Amsterdam.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Antony?
According to Sky Sports, Antony has been identified as ten Hag's priority target when it comes to bolstering his forward options.
However, the report suggests the nine-cap Brazil international's £68million valuation is prohibitive and Alfred Schreuder, who has succeeded ten Hag in the Ajax dugout, is not willing to sanction his exit.
It is understood that Manchester United failed with a £51million bid earlier this month and Ajax have been holding firm despite Antony's wish to move to Old Trafford.
Chelsea are also known to be admirers of the 22-year-old as they recently held talks with his representatives.
The Premier League interest in Antony does not stop there as Liverpool have enquired about acquiring his services as well.
What has Dean Jones said about Antony?
Jones understands that Manchester United are looking to take their pursuit of Antony up a notch over the course of the next seven days.
The transfer insider believes the Red Devils are keen to get the deal done quickly in order to avoid getting into a bidding war with Chelsea.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "They definitely expect to kick on with these conversations in the next week and see if they can make a breakthrough.
"They're very aware that Chelsea might challenge them for his signature, so that could cause a problem because there is a possibility that Chelsea have more money to spend in that area of the field than Manchester United if they manage to get rid of the players that they want to in attack too."
Should Manchester United fear Chelsea?
While Manchester United have made a change in the dugout, it has been a summer of upheaval at Chelsea as a consortium led by Todd Boehly completed a £4.25billion takeover in May.
The American has shown that he is not afraid to splash the cash, with Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly setting the Blues back close to £85million, so the funds are clearly there to sign Antony.
Chelsea can also offer the Ajax star Champions League football, having finished third in the Premier League last season, whereas a move to Manchester United will result in Antony having to contend with a campaign in the Europa League.