According to GOAL, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Ajax winger Antony and have tabled a £51 million bid to secure his services. The Red Devils’ manager Erik ten Hag is keen on a reunion with the Brazilian attacker and has urged the club’s board to complete the signing in the summer transfer window. Manchester United are aiming for a major summer overhaul and have identified multiple positions to strengthen this summer. The Red Devils want to sign a centre-back, a central midfielder and two attacking players – a wide attacker and preferably a number nine. They have completed the signing of left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.

As far as the attacking signings are concerned, Antony is one of Manchester United’s top targets. The Brazilian international played under ten Hag over the last two seasons at Ajax and excelled in the right-winger role. The 22-year-old scored 12 times and assisted ten goals last term as the Dutch giants won the Eredivisie title.

In all, the former Sao Paulo attacker has made 78 appearances for the Amsterdam-based club and has scored 22 times and assisted 20 goals for them across all competitions. Antony still has three years remaining on his contract, and Ajax are not willing to let him leave. But the Brazilian international has his heart set on a move to the Premier League.

The Dutch giants want to have Antony for at least one more season but are still holding out for a £68 million fee. The player’s agent is reportedly in contact with Manchester United and Ajax to try and broker a deal between the two clubs. He is pushing Ajax to accept a lower offer from Manchester United, with the player keen on moving to Old Trafford.

However, Antony is aware that he could have to wait for another season before moving to England. New Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder is hopeful to keep the Brazil international at the club beyond the summer transfer window. According to reports, Rooney is a big fan of the Brazilian.