Man Utd, Liverpool make ‘concrete’ Antony transfer approaches with Salah update hinting who will win

Man Utd and Liverpool have both kickstarted moves for Ajax winger Antony, and the Brazilian press have indicated what role Mohamed Salah will play in the transfer battle.

The Brazilian winger, 22, looks set to be a man in demand this summer. Manchester United have predictably drawn frequent links given the obvious Erik ten Hag connection.

The Dutchman will take the reins at Old Trafford and there is already a buzz around who will be brought in to kick his tenure off in style.

Today’s Transfer Gossip detailed United’s interest in Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. He – along with Antony – were both spoken about by Ten Hag at the weekend.

“I think that all top clubs in Europe have Timber in their sights,” Ten Hag told De Telegraaf. “But I think that currently applies to a lot of Ajax players.

“If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax, because you have no one in the current selection who can take over his position. He is top class.”

Ten Hag clearly rates his former forward highly. His 12 goals and 10 assists this season, combined with the fact he is now a regular for Brazil under Tite, indicate why.

Now, according to Brazilian outlet UOL, all three of Man Utd, Liverpool and Newcastle have made ‘concrete approaches’ for Antony.

However, the Magpies are already deemed ‘out of contention’, thinning the transfer race to two. Antony reportedly wishes to test himself in the Premier League and is eyeing a move this summer.

A deal would reportedly cost between €50m-€60m (£42m-£50.5m), and it’s detailed why United have a distinct advantage.

Salah, Antony futures intertwined

Aside from the Ten Hag connection, it’s hinted a Liverpool move would hinge on Mohamed Salah leaving.

Liverpool are desperate to keep their Egyptian forward around beyond his current contract which expires in 2023. But if the contract deadlock can’t be broken and a move away materialises, only then would Antony be an option.

If the Reds get their way, Salah will stay, meaning the chances are Manchester United will have a free run at Antony.

The report concludes ‘official approaches’ haven’t yet been made. That would indicate the ‘concrete’ approaches previously referenced were to either the player’s camp or through intermediaries.

Antony’s former club, Sao Paulo, will reportedly receive 20 percent of Ajax’s sale. As such, the Amsterdam club will be determined to drive up the price as high as they can.

Would he fit Man Utd?

Questions have been asked about the level-headedness of Antony in recent times. Indeed, two former Netherlands internationals took a dim view of his antics back in March.

However, Antony is known as something of a firebrand and his passion and energetic style is something the United faithful could get behind.

One frequent line of criticism levied United’s way in recent times has been a lack of fight and desire when things get tough. One thing is for sure with Antony, if he’s going down, he’ll go down swinging.

At 22, he would represent a signing not only for the here and now, but for the future too. What’s more, he is well known to incoming boss Ten Hag and thus might not take as long to bed in as other new signings would and have, such as Jadon Sancho for example.

Antony operates primarily on the right wing and as a left-footer, would provide something United’s current forward line lacks.

Mason Greenwood’s indefinite absence has left them without a reliable option to cut inside from the right. Antony may be the man to fill that void.