A £76m bid was rejected by the Eredivisie champions last week, despite the player trying to force the club not to train or be involved in matchday squads. Anthony missed Sunday’s clash with Utrecht, the second game in a row he has missed. Negotiations are still ongoing over the final details of United’s bid. However, the Brazil international is expected to become Ten Hag’s fifth summer signing before the window closes on Thursday. At £84m it is believed the Ajax board will not stand in the way of him becoming United’s second most expensive signing ever behind Paul Pogba. Only three players in Premier League history – Jack Grealish at Manchester City, Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea and Pogba at United – have gone for more money. Antony also breaks the Dutch transfer record. Previously, Frenkie de Jong’s £73m move to Barcelona was the most for a player in the Eredivisie. De Jong has of course been a major target for the Red Devils this summer, but they have been unsuccessful in their pursuit. United brought four players to Old Trafford this summer with Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen all involved. Ten Hag are also believed to be open to signing PSV’s Cody Gakpo. The Dutch giants missed out on Champions League qualification after defeat by Rangers and the Dutch striker told ESPN on Sunday after the 6-1 win over Excelsior: “There are other options, United are a serious option. I hear it I try to shut myself out of it, but it’s hard.” Meanwhile, Antony spoke about his future in an interview with Fabrizio Romano last week: “In June this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the Ajax management, including the new coach, about the my desire to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons. “During the months of the window, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for a contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave. Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only that at a time with a significant offer on the table. “Others had already arrived, Ajax refused arguing that they only have five days to replace me. I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and dreams. “I hope Ajax fans understand me… because the future for a footballer is a completely uncertain thing and opportunities can be unique. My message is a message of gratitude for Ajax, the club and the fans. “I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me for the highest bid ever for an Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this since February so that the club can rebuild the squad in peace. . “ Anthony’s impending move to Old Trafford will see Hakim Ziyech return to Ajax from Chelsea. The Moroccan playmaker will be Anthony’s immediate replacement after two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
