MANCHESTER UNITED target Antony is continuing his attempts to force a move to Old Trafford.
By MICHAEL GOWLER
Manchester United target Antony is reportedly refusing to play for Ajax as he continues his attempts to force through a move to Old Trafford ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline. The Brazilian will not feature in Ajax’s Eredivisie clash with Utrecht on Sunday having made no secret of his desire to depart the club over the coming days.
Amid interest from United, Antony pulled out of the Ajax squad ahead of their 1-0 success over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend. Speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future has since escalated further with the Dutch giants rejecting the Red Devils’ latest offer of £74.6million on Friday.
The Amsterdam outfit are thought to be holding out for a reported £84.8m, though they remain determined to retain the Samba star’s services this summer. However, Ajax face the prospect of having a disgruntled player in their ranks as Antony continues to make his feelings known over the club’s refusal to sanction his departure.
According to the Sunday Mirror, the winger has now gone on strike in order to force through a move to United. In yet another twist to his transfer saga, Antony is understood to be refusing to play against Utrecht on Sunday.
The player and his agent are believed to have met with Ajax officials on Friday to negotiate the attacker’s exit, but club chiefs are thought to have reaffirmed their stance that he will be going nowhere this summer unless their extortionate valuation is met. The €90m fee being demanded is thought to be almost as big as the club’s annual turnover.
The Ajax board of directors are set to meet again on Sunday to discuss their next move amid a split verdict among the decision-makers at the club. A number of Ajax chiefs are thought to deem United’s latest offer as too good to turn down and…
