Man Utd ready to move for Antony alternative as Ten Hag approves transfer
Suraj Radia
- 28 Jul 2022 21:18 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are set to move onto new targets after being priced out of a move for Ajax winger Antony as they continue to look for ways to bolster their front line.
United had tracked Antony all summer, having met numerous times with his representatives, but Ajax are believed to have increased their asking price from €80 million to €100m to put off any interested clubs.
The Dutch side are not willing to sell any more first team players after seeing Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch and Lisandro Martinez all leave for a combined total that exceeds €100m.
With the move for Antony all but dead, United have reportedly turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and boss Erik ten Hag is believed to have given his approval for the club to pursue a deal.
The 23-year-old had previously been linked with a move to Newcastle but recently came out and confirmed he would be staying with Leverkusen for another season, although United will be hoping to change the Frenchman’s mind.
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What is the state of play for United now?
A move for Diaby is not thought to be close, with Leverkusen thought to be demanding at least €60m for the winger, who grabbed 13 goals and 12 assists in the Bundesliga last season.
United are desperate for signings up front, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo still pushing for an exit, and currently have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford as their only available strikers.
The club are also understood to have held talks with RB Salzburg over a move for teenage forward Benjamin Sesko, who netted in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool, however the Austrian side are reluctant to sell making a deal unlikely.
Moussa Diaby confirms to RP Online: “I've made my decision and I'll be playing for Bayer Leverkusen again next season”. 🚨🔴 #Bayer04
Bayer Leverkusen always wanted to keep him at the club, not accepting to negotiate for less than €65m fee. Newcastle, walked away weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/GDLForGaXo— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2022
Having made just three signings this summer, ten Hag was vocal over his side’s need to strengthen however it looks unlikely they will bring anyone in before their Premier League opener against Brighton next weekend.
Frenkie de Jong has been the club’s priority target over the summer but hopes are fading over the midfielder as he is still reluctant to leave Barcelona despite the Spanish side agreeing an €85m deal with United a number of weeks ago.
