Antony bid rejected 

Manchester United revive Antony interest but face transfer challenge after €80m bid rejected

Manchester United have had an £80million bid for Ajax forward Antony rejected.

United, who are progressing with a £60million deal to take Real Madrid ’s Brazilian midfielder Casimiro to Old Trafford, lodged an offer with the Amsterdam club after being urged by new boss Erik ten Hag to test their resolve to keep the 22-year-old in Holland.

But Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder – who has replaced Ten Hag at the helm – urged his bosses to turn down the proposal.

The Dutch champions have seen Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez follow Ten Hag to Manchester and have also lost Sebastien Haller, Ryan Gravenberch, Perr Schuurs, Nicolas Tagliafico and Noussair Mazaroui this summer.

Schreuder warned Ajax sporting directors Gerry Hamstra and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar that he could not afford to lose Antony – despite United’s bank-busting bid. Ajax have previously managed to persuade defender Jurrien Timber to turn down United’s overtures – and have now rewarded the 21-year-old with a new contract.

Antony, born in Sao Paulo, has won two Dutch titles under Ten Hag and has become Ajax’s main man. He asked the club to allow him to follow Ten Hag to Manchester after United first lodged their interest