‘Antony’s agent told to complete transfer’ – Man United insider shares update
Man United are attempting to drum up interest in Antony as they plan to accept permanent offers this summer, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that Ruben Amorim would like to move him on before the season begins.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag, who brought the 25-year-old to United, recent confessed: “He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me,” hinting at a reunion. [talkSPORT]
Brown told Football Insider on 25 May that Antony is likely to leave Man United alongside a number of teammates including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
The Brazil international enjoyed a successful loan spell at Real Betis in the second half of last season, adding to the interest in a permanent move this summer.
Since returning to Carrington, the winger has been made to train separately from the rest of the squad and has been told to find a new club.
Man United to sell Antony after January loan deal
Brown told Football Insider in October that Man United have been trying to offload Antony since last summer, before they resigned to accepting loan offers in January.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Aston Villa, insisted that attempts are now being made by all parties to find him a permanent destination.
“There’s no way Antony will stay at Man United,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s in a similar situation to Rashford, Sancho and Garnacho because they want to sell him permanently but there isn’t exactly an abundance of interest.
“His agent has been told to go and find him a destination, so we’ll see what that brings up.
“The one I find interesting is Bayer Leverkusen, because we know Ten Hag likes him.
“If he was willing to spend £80million to bring him to Man United, he obviously sees something in him and maybe he’ll want to bring him to Germany.
“It’s a difficult one, because what sort of money are they going to get for him?
“It won’t be anywhere near as much as they paid, but they’re obviously willing to take that hit.
“I think they’ll want it done before the season starts, so let’s see what happens.”
Rasmus Hojlund to leave Old Trafford as replacement lined up
Antony is not the only out-of-favour player who could be allowed to leave Old Trafford this summer, amid speculation about the future of Rasmus Hojlund.
Brown told Football Insider on 21 July that Man United want to sell Hojlund before stepping up their efforts to sign a new first-choice striker.
Amorim’s side are keeping tabs on the likes of Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson and Benjamin Sesko as they remain determined to strengthen up front.
Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Watkins’ move to United hinges on Hojlund’s future, with the club aiming to move him on before making other moves.
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