Topics: Transfer, Ajax, Manchester United, Antony
The Red Devils have made a breakthrough in their pursuit of the Brazilian star.

Manchester United and Ajax are expected to reach an agreement for the transfer of Brazilian winger Antony soon, according to a new report. The Red Devils have apparently submitted their first official bid in the region of €45M (£38.4m) in an attempt to test the resolve of the Dutch Eredivise champions for the 22-year-old winger.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, the Old Trafford outfit have been linked with a move for a number of attacking players following their struggles in attack last season. The 13-time Premier League champions were said to be keen on recruiting Benfica's Darwin Nunez but have been forced to resign in their pursuit after rivals Liverpool pulled off a coup and assumed pole-position in the race for the striker.

Man United have since turned their focus to Antony, with the attacker having worked together with Erik ten Hag at Ajax. The latter is known to still be a big fan of the player and has asked the club to prioritise the signing of the Brazilian as a main attacking target.

On Friday, multiple reports suggested that the representatives of Antony were in Europe working to agree a deal with Manchester United. This came after the player provided them the green light for negotiations with the Red Devils to go ahead. Ajax have also been advised by the winger to begin talks with the Premier League club and are expected to hold out for a higher fee by rejecting the English club's initial offer.

According to Brazilian reporter Jorge Nicola, a source close to the player has revealed that the winger is Erik ten Hag's primary transfer target at United and that "it's a matter of time until it's a done deal".

Meanwhile, Antony is no the only Ajax player on the radar of Manchester United. Dutch internationals Jurrien Timber and Frenkie de Jong are also reportedly being pursued by the Red Devils with significant headway expected to be made in the talks.