Deal back on? Man United expect further talks with Real Betis over Antony

Manchester United expect further talks with Real Betis over Antony after the Spanish club pulled back from negotiations over a dispute over his severance pay.

Betis announced on Friday night that they were pulling out of the move as they couldn't afford the financial package agreed with United.

United had previously agreed a £21.6million package that included a 50 per cent sell-on clause, and gave Antony permission to travel to Spain to finalise terms.

However, a dispute remains over personal terms, a severance payment and a shortfall in wages that Antony's camp say has still to be agreed.

A club statement from Betis read: 'There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can't afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer.'

United privately believe it is a negotiating tactic as all parties wait on Antony accepting the severance terms on offer.

Betis, meanwhile, claim United must come back to them with a lower overall package for a deal to be agreed.

It is currently unclear whether Antony will also now lower his terms to make the move happen.

Antony, who had dinner with friends and representatives on Friday night, has two years left on his contract at Old Trafford.

After falling out of favour at United, Antony made a significant impact while on loan at Betis in the second half of last season.

He scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 games for the Spanish club.

Although he won the FA Cup and the League Cup with United, Antony has endured much frustration at the club.

In total, he has played 96 games and has scored 12 goals for the club, while he has provided nine assists.

Antony has 16 caps for Brazil, with his most recent appearance for his country coming in 2023.

He received a recall to the squad in June but was an unused substitute for games against Ecuador and Paraguay.