Manchester United have started the summer transfer window strongly but need to focus on being able to generate funds from player sales soon.
Following a dismal season, Manchester United are moving swiftly in the transfer market in a bid to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Matheus Cunha has already been confirmed as Ruben Amorim’s first signing of the summer, and Bryan Mbeumo is eager to follow, with the Reds already having had one bid for him rejected.
The club is also in the market for a striker, and the addition of those three attacking players would go a long way toward revitalising United’s misfiring frontline. A midfielder and defender are also wanted.
However, player sales are going to be crucial for United if they are going to succeed in getting all of their preferred targets. They can only afford to bring in Mbeumo and Cunha without any outgoings.
Several players are expected to leave, including Antony after his impressive loan spell at Real Betis in the back-end of last season.
Romano confirms agreement which could lead to United exit
It is the worst-kept secret that Betis want to keep Antony at the club. Their players have joked about kidnapping him while those in charge have been in constant contact with those at United.
However, it has been reported several times that the Spanish club cannot afford the £35 million it will take to convince United to sell, and then also afford the player’s wages.
Antony seems very happy in Seville and might consider lowering his salary but United need to receive at least £35 million for him so they do not make a loss on the player.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Atletico Madrid have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso and are in talks over a £25 million deal.
Should that go through, Betis could end up using the cash they receive from that deal to get a deal for Antony over the line, with the Reds against loaning him out once again.
Antony’s agents meeting Betis this week
This follows on from reports in Diario de Sevilla, which state that Antony’s agents are travelling to Seville this week to speak with Betis in the hopes of securing a deal for him.
It was further explained that the Spanish club prefer to do their business early in the window so Manuel Pellegrini can work with new players in pre-season and Antony is one they’d love to return sooner rather than later.
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For United, a quick conclusion to this transfer would be a dream, especially if it ends with Betis providing the money for a permanent deal.
But even if it doesn’t, that will give United and Antony a healthy amount of time to find an alternative destination, with other clubs reportedly interested in the winger as well.
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