Ajax rejected this incredible offer from Manchester United for Antony

As it has been said all summer, one of Erik ten Hag’s main targets since he was appointed Manchester United manager back in April, has been his former player Antony, who he was coaching just three months ago at Ajax. It is to be expected that the Dutchman would have tried to encourage the Brazilian to join him in this new adventure before leaving.

The Red Devils have made several bids for the player this past few months but they were not even close to what the Eredivisie’s champions' were demanding. It was reported by MailOnline Sport that the Amsterdam side would only consider selling the winger if United were to pay £67 million as a minimum.

More Man Utd news:

Money isn't the main reason why Casemiro is joining Manchester United
Manchester United's plans in the transfer market after signing Casemiro
 

Today, David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell reported together on The Athletic that the Red Devils made an €80 million offer this Wednesday to Ajax for Antony. However, the Dutch club turned it down as they want to keep the Brazilian for at least one more season. The Athletic reports that MUFC isn’t sure if they will upgrade their bid.

After offering more than the originally established price tag and getting rejected once again, the English club’s board isn’t optimistic anymore about continuing their pursuit of the 22-year-old winger because they don’t think he is worth more than €80 million. They would prefer to use that money for the Casemiro deal and reinforce other positions on the field.

The cheaper option

Despite Antony being Erik ten Hag’s first choice, the former Ajax manager also likes Cody Gakpo, who has been on Manchester United’s shortlist for some weeks now. The PSV Eindhoven winger would only cost around £35 million and would be open to a move to Old Trafford if he and his team fail to qualify for the Champions League group stage next week when they face Rangers in the play-offs.