Manchester United reportedly testing bizarre Antony swap deal – Answer is “very clear”

Manchester United have reportedly tested the possibility of a bizarre swap deal including winger Antony, but the answer is “very clear”.

The Reds have made two signings so far this summer, and a third is almost complete, but INEOS want to do more business in the coming weeks.

With the transfer window heating up as we enter August, there are rumours flying around involving Erik ten Hag’s side, and one has cropped up involving a player that everyone at United is familiar with.

According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, the Reds’ boss Ten Hag is continuing to insist on a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Despite missing out on the Dutchman two summers ago, the United manager is of the belief that the 27-year-old could be a “key” part of the Old Trafford project.

It was further explained that those at the English club are not ruling out a move, but it is currently not the priority, with deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui on the agenda.

Yet, the report stated that if United have the “economic power” towards the end of the window, they could try and move forward with a potential deal.

Interestingly, while United are not open to offering a huge amount, the report continues that Ten Hag has proposed using Antony as a makeweight in negotiations for De Jong and potentially lowering the price needed to secure the midfielder.

Finally, it was said that this potential offer had arrived in Barcelona, and the answer was very clear — a “resounding no.” The Spanish outfit are not interested in a player-plus-cash deal for De Jong unless the player “really interested” them.

De Jong joins a long list of names…

It seems that De Jong has joined a long list of names that become linked to an Old Trafford move every summer.

While it is clear that there is huge appreciation for the player from Ten Hag, it just doesn’t seem like a move that will happen — whether Antony is involved or not.

On the Brazilian, it also seems very unlikely that United would be trying to sell to Barcelona. They have one of the most exciting talents in world football, Lamine Yamal, on their right flank, and Antony’s poor form over the past two years is no secret across Europe.

What does seem clear is that United are open to seeing the former Ajax winger depart this summer – either on loan or permanently – but they need suitors in order for that to happen.

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