Manchester United target Antony will have to hand in a transfer request in order to lower Ajax’s valuation of the winger, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

Erik ten Hag has overseen a horrible start to the Premier League season at Old Trafford, falling to defeat against Brighton and Brentford, but he still has time to strengthen ahead of the September 1 deadline.

What is the latest news on Antony?

Fabrizio Romano reported this week that United are planning to approach Ajax again with another offer for the Brazilian.

Earlier in the summer, the Dutch giants reportedly raised their asking price from £68 million to £84 million, effectively ruling United out of a move.

The Athletic have now reported that a bid from United worth around £68 million was rejected on Wednesday, with those in charge at Old Trafford now pessimistic about their chances of completing a deal.

Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo has emerged as a potential target, with The Telegraph reporting that the Red Devils had now turned their attention to the £34 million man.

What has Talbot said on the pursuit of Antony?

Talbot understands that if United are to stand a chance of landing Antony this summer, they will need the player himself to hand in a transfer request.

The journalist adds that the 22-year-old is Ten Hag’s number one choice to bolster his frontline ahead of the deadline.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “I’ve heard that he'd have to put in a transfer request, effectively, to get the valuation down from Ajax so that a deal can go through. I think that's Ten Hag’s number one target in that position.”

Should United make one last push for Antony?

If the winger is Ten Hag’s top priority this summer, then United should ensure they do all they can to clinch his signature.

Antony has already scored two goals and provided two assists this season, taking his career tally to 28 career strikes.

Ten Hag selected the player 79 times during his time in charge of Ajax and thrived under his guidance, scoring 22 goals.

But with three years still remaining on his deal in Amsterdam, there will realistically come a time when United have to move on to alternative targets, such as Gakpo.

Ajax hold all the power here. With Cristiano Ronaldo still pushing for an exit from Old Trafford as well, it could be argued that a more orthodox number nine should be a bigger priority at the moment, rather than strengthening out wide.