Man Utd green light Antony swap deal ahead of January transfer window

Manchester United want Brazilian striker Gabriel Barbosa in January and are willing to offer Antony in part exchange on loan.

United are struggling for goals as Marcus Rashford, who netted 30 times last season, has scored just once. Rasmus Hojlund has scored three times, while Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Martial have also only struck just once.

United are now drawing up plans for January while Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club drags on. Until major new investment is finalised, United must navigate Financial Fair Play regulations and are considering cut-price deals as they aim to add more attacking options.

Barbosa, 27, who has scored 18 goals for top-flight Flamengo this term in all competitions, is available at a discounted £20million as his contract is up at the end of 2024. His club Flamengo are also interested in taking Barbosa’s Brazilian compatriot Anthony off United’s hands on loan in part exchange for the forward, who has five goals in 18 caps for his country.

Antony, 23, who cost £82m from Ajax in 2022, is yet to score this term and has only featured 11 times amid a troubled season following allegations of domestic abuse. He is under contract until 2027 though making a permanent exit unlikely.

The former Ajax star endured another difficult afternoon during the Red Devils' 1-0 win over Fulham after seemingly being booed off the pitch. He has not scored for Man United since his strike against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground back in April.

Elsewhere, United are likely to face competition from AC Milan for Barbosa, who previously had an underwhelming spell with Inter Milan but still wants to prove himself in European football. He made ten appearances for the Serie A giants after arriving from Santos but scored just once.

Premier League rivals West Ham held talks over signing Barbosa in January last year but failed to get a deal over the line. Other potential United targets include 31-year-old Porto centre-forward Mehdi Taremi, who impressed at the World Cup for Iran and is out of contract next summer.

Away from him and Barbosa, the Red Devils also have a couple of other frontmen on their shortlist. Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen are both being considered but are expected to demand considerable fees.

In the meantime, Hojlund's wait for a Premier League goal continues. The Dane led the line at Craven Cottage but was hauled off with just over ten minutes of regular time remaining. He looked furious as he took his place among the substitutes. Hojlund has not scored in any of his opening eight Premier League games.