Manchester United are facing a 'really tough and complicated' battle as they look to lure top target Antony to Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils have endured a poor start to the campaign thanks to back-to-back defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, but boss Erik ten Hag has until September 1 to strengthen his squad.

GiveMeSport Transfer Latest

GiveMeSport Transfer Latest

What's the latest news involving Antony?

According to Goal Brasil, Manchester United are growing in confidence that they will be able to strike a late deal which would see Antony swap Ajax for Old Trafford.

The report suggests the Red Devils failed with a £50.5million proposal earlier in the transfer window but are expecting the nine-cap Brazil international's price tag to decrease as the deadline looms.

It is understood that Ajax's current valuation of the 22-year-old, who has been identified as ten Hag's priority target when it comes to bolstering his forward options, is prohibitive for Manchester United.

The Red Devils are not Antony's only Premier League admirers as Chelsea held talks with his representatives before pre-season got underway.

Liverpool enquired about acquiring the wide-man's services as well, but the Merseyside outfit opted against making a move.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Antony?

Romano understands that Antony is among Manchester United chief ten Hag's priority targets during the final stages of the summer window.

But the transfer guru has warned that the Red Devils could be facing an uphill battle in their pursuit and up to £75million might be needed to strike a deal.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "Top of the list in the winger position has always been Antony. But, at the moment, it is really complicated.

"I don't see Ajax selling the player for less than €85million or €90million, with some add-ons, so it's a really tough and complicated one."

Why is a deal for Antony looking tricky?

Manchester United have already raided Ajax more than once in recent months - first to appoint ten Hag and then to complete the £56.7million acquisition of Lisandro Martinez.

With the likes of Sebastien Haller and Ryan Gravenberch also leaving the Dutch capital since the transfer window reopened, the reigning Eredivisie champions have recouped more than £100million in departures.

Therefore, they do not necessarily need to cash-in on Antony and Alfred Schreuder, who has succeeded ten Hag in the Ajax dugout, insists he will not sanction his exit.

Nevertheless, ten Hag knows the Brazilian well, having selected him on 79 occasions during his Ajax reign, and is showing no signs of letting up in his pursuit.