Man United forward Antony 'on the radar' of two Premier League clubs as Real Betis move 'stalls'

Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders for Manchester United forward Antony.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis, scoring nine times and registering five assists in 26 appearances for the La Liga outfit.

Real Betis are determined to keep hold of the Brazilian, but the Seville team are finding it extremely difficult to sign him on a permanent basis due to the finances involved.

Antony has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, and it has been claimed that Man United are looking for at least £32.5m for his signature this summer.

According to Fichajes, Newcastle and Brighton are both interested in signing the South American, with the Premier League duo now considering making offers for his services.

Newcastle, Brighton 'contenders' for Man United's Antony

The report claims that Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are also interested, although it remains to be seen whether either will come up with the type of offer that Man United would require to sanction his exit.

Antony has scored 12 times and registered five assists in 96 appearances for Man United, while he managed 24 goals and 22 assists in 82 outings during his time in Amsterdam with Ajax.

The forward has another two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, but there is no chance of him reigniting his career at Man United, with the English giants actively looking to sell him.

Could Real Betis yet sign Antony on a permanent basis?

Real Betis' sporting director Manu Fajardo recently confirmed that his club are still working on a move for Antony, but he admitted that it was "a very complex operation".

"We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction," Fajardo told Estadio Deportivo.

"But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony. I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.

"In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it’s very dynamic, and we are part of that game."

Man United will resist another loan move for Antony, and the player's form in the second half of last season has strengthened the English club's hand when it comes to a summer departure.

Written by
Matt Law