Manchester United have had a £67 million bid rejected for Ajax winger Antony and will now look to PSV’s Cody Gakpo, according to David Ornstein.
Manchester United Have Massive Antony Bid Rejected; Cody Gakpo Provides Fantastic Alternative
PSV’s Cody Gakpo remains one of the names in Manchester United list, suggested by Erik ten Hag – also very good relationship with his agents can be important. 🔴 #MUFC
Antony, still there but difficult – while Gakpo could be cheaper option ⤵️ https://t.co/EIq7G9fJ78
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2022
Antony Has Started 2022/2023 in Fine Form
The reigning Eredivisie champions are reluctant to sell Antony and it is unconfirmed if Erik ten Hag and his team will make an improved offer.
The 22-year-old impressed against FC Groningen on Sunday, August 14 when he lit up the pitch with his “spectacular” performance, which has since been described as “magic”. He also contributed a goal and an assist as his side cruised to a 6-1 win at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Antony played under Ten Hag during his managerial reign at Ajax. They won the Eredivisie twice in consecutive seasons, as well as the KNVB Cup. The Brazilian has hit impressive form since arriving in the Netherlands and is regarded for his remarkable dribbling ability, speed and relentless attacking threat moving up the pitch.
Cody Gakpo More Likely for Manchester Move
However, if Ajax remain adamant in their stance of keeping the star, United will looking to their rivals PSV for a suitable alternative in Cody Gakpo, who has been named as the “cheaper option.”
Take your pick:
• Cody Gakpo 🇳🇱
• Antony 🇧🇷
• Yannick Carrasco 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/EokaoPJgW0— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) August 18, 2022
In the league last season, Gakpo reached double figures for both goals and assists – scoring 12 and assisting 13 goals, remarkable form for a 23-year-old.
Read more: Manchester United Make £109.8 Million Proposal for ‘Incredible’ Star – Immediate Answer Received
Gakpo won the KNVB Cup in 2021/2022 and was subsequently awarded the Dutch Footballer of the Year. The striker has since lifted the Johan Cruyff Shield with his side.
United Link Could Be Key Factor in Talks
An element that may benefit the Manchester side in negotiations with PSV is that they have “a very good relationship with his [Gakpo’s] agents”. The side are also managed by former Red Devil Ruud van Nistelrooy, who won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and FA Community Shield in his five years at the club.
Read more: Manchester United Looking to Make Five More Summer Signings – Could Cost Whopping £225.5 Million
He is a two-time winner of the prestigious Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year, which he was awarded in consecutive seasons, and is regarded as one of the most prolific and lethal forwards in United’s history. Van Nistelrooy was pictured with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson on August 17.
