Manchester United had a bid of €90m (£76.3m) for Antony rejected by Ajax on Friday, with the Dutch club wanting a higher price for the forward.
Ajax had in recent days turned down an €80m United offer for the 22-year-old. The Brazil international, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax, is keen to join United and is understood to be disappointed that his club did not accept Friday’s bid. He reiterated to Ajax on Friday his desire to make the move.
“Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer,” the player said. “During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.
“I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams. People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart.”
Speaking before news of the rejected bid emerged Ten Hag said: “We need players, clear, but we need the right players. The whole transfer window, we are happy with what we did until now but the bar has to be high [for any signing].”
The manager has added Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia since leaving Ajax for Old Trafford in May.
