Manchester United are reportedly planning to make a fresh offer in the region of £80m for Antony, as the Red Devils bid to sign the Ajax attacker before the end of the transfer window.
The 22-year-old was not selected for Ajax's Eredivisie clash with Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, with the Dutch club's head coach Alfred Schreuder admitting that the forward was not in the right frame of mind to play.
"Antony is not in the squad. I spoke with Antony and he told me that he didn't feel 100% ready to play. I only want players in the squad that are 100% focused on Ajax," Schreuder told ESPN.
The Brazil international has started the 2022-23 campaign in impressive fashion for his Dutch club, scoring twice and providing two assists in three appearances, including one goal and two assists in two league fixtures.
However, he did not train with his teammates towards the end of last week, with the attacker determined to force a move to Old Trafford before the transfer deadline.
© Reuters
Last week, Man United are thought to have had an offer, in the region of £68m, turned down by the Eredivisie champions, who are fighting to keep hold of the former Sao Paulo youngster.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the 20-time English champions are preparing a fresh offer of around £80m and are hopeful that it will be enough to convince the Amsterdam giants to sell.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that personal terms have already been agreed between Man United and Antony, and the player is determined to move to Old Trafford.
"I want Antony to stay. I am assuming that the club will not sell him. The money that is being thrown around these days is crazy. But I would not find it okay if we sell another player. We are in a powerful position, financially," said Schreuder after Ajax's last league match.
"Yes, my feeling is good. I understand Antony. But you play for Ajax. We are playing Champions League football. I don't think Manchester United are playing Champions League football."
© Reuters
However, Antony recently admitted that he could not guarantee he would remain in Amsterdam beyond the transfer deadline.
"No, to be perfectly honest (offer Ajax fans assurances that he would remain at the club), I can't. What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone," he told De Telegraaf.
"In the end, God determines my future. I am very happy at Ajax, I have a contract until the summer of 2025 and I will give everything for this beautiful club for every second.
"I wear the shirt with pride and from day one I feel at home. If we all decide that I will stay here, then I know that this is the best thing for me and the club.
"It's not like I have to leave. Now I am focusing on playing football and have put all other matters in the hands of my agents and my brother. They will advise me on what is best."
Antony, who largely operates as a right-sided attacker, has scored 24 goals and registered 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax since making the move from Sao Paulo in July 2020.
Matt Law
