Man Utd in ‘direct contact’ with £120m forward pair, as Fabrizio Romano reveals what Antony transfer hinges on

Man Utd are keeping the lines of communication open with £120m worth of attacking talent, and what will determine the fate of their Antony transfer has been detailed.

With just over a week remaining before the September 1 deadline, all eyes are on Manchester United. The Red Devils are poised to complete their Casemiro deal after the Brazilian passed a medical at the weekend.

Casemiro will sign a four-year deal with a club option for a fifth. He’ll arrive for an initial £60m and will take his place among United”s top earners.

However, the Casemiro move could be the tip of the iceberg.

Indeed, the Telegraph reported United are targeting five new signings before the window slams shut. They want another central midfielder on top of Casemiro, as well as a right-back, winger and striker.

On the winger front, Fabrizio Romano reports Manchester United are in ‘direct contact’ with both Cody Gakpo and Antony.

The Eredivisie stand-outs appear to be United’s last hopes of signing a top class winger after noise around a loan move for Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic subsided.

PSV Eindhoven’s Gakpo is known to want a Premier League move and could be signed for a modest £35m. The 23-year-old’s camp has reportedly been in direct contact with United’s camp for over a fortnight.

PSV won’t entertain any offers until their Champions League fate is decided. They face Rangers in the second leg of the play-off round on Wednesday night. The scores are currently tied 2-2.

Regardless, according to the Athletic, there is an ‘understanding’ in place that Gakpo will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is lodged. That understanding was formed as a condition of Gakpo signing a new contract in January, though obviously, is not legally binding.

Ajax transfer the main focus

However, United’s primary target appears to be Ajax ace Antony.

United have already seen a bid worth £67.6m rejected. There were conflicting reports as to whether that would spell the end of their chase, though it now appears full steam ahead.

22-year-old Antony was left out of Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. He also trained alone and away from the group on both Friday and Saturday.

Ajax are keen to draw a line in the sand having seen several of their finest assets already poached this summer – including Lisandro Martinez.

Ajax boss, Alfred Schreuder recently told ESPN: “We have already lost 5 or 6 big players. I don’t want Antony to leave the club, I told the board that I want him to stay here.

“I am assuming that the club will not sell Antony as we’re in good financial position.”

He continued: “Yes, my feeling is positive on Antony deal. I understand Antony, but… here you play for Ajax.

“We are playing Champions League football. I don’t think Manchester United are playing Champions League football.”

United, Antony awaiting Ajax greenlight

However, the Sunday Times reported Ajax expect United to come back in with a mammoth €100m (£84.9m) bid.

An offer on that scale will be difficult to ignore. And with United hot on the idea of signing Antony and the player angling for a move, Romano concluded the potential transfer is now dependant on Ajax.

Should an improved bid be lodged and Ajax finally submit, there appears little reason as to why Antony won’t wind up at Old Trafford.

What’s more, the Amsterdam club have already begun to look at replacements, and have focused their search on Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.