Manchester United will hope they can prompt a bidding war for Antony following the Brazilian's impressive spell with Real Betis after Atletico Madrid revealed their interest
Atletico Madrid have already enquired about the possibility of signing Antony from Manchester United this summer as the Red Devils prepare to offload the 25-year-old. The club could accept a fee in the region of £34million and are prepared to cut their losses but will now hope to drive that price up.
The Brazil international has so far failed to set the pitch alight at Old Trafford following an £86m move from Ajax in August 2022. But a loan to Real Betis earlier this year has seen him quickly find his feet in La Liga.
Antony has notched six goals and four assists in 19 appearances in Andalusia, including a goal against Fiorentina in Real Betis' Europa Conference League semi-final. Perhaps unsurprisingly the La Liga side are interested in extending his stay.
For their part, Betis believe Antony has already given them his word. They would be more interested in agreeing another loan deal with United however.
Meanwhile reports in Spain claim that Atletico have made contact over the possibility of agreeing a deal this summer. And that could leave United determined to drive an auction.
There is even said to be some optimism in Manchester that recouping up to £42.5m could be possible. United however, have parked any formal transfer negotiations until the end of the season as they focus on earning European glory in the Europa League.
Former Spain international and Betis icon Joaquin is now on the La Liga side's board. The ex-winger has joked he would be willing to kidnap Antony in a bid to keep him at the club.
"I'll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what," said Joaquin. "This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come and we'll see later."
Ex-Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was in net when Antony found the net against Fiorentina on Thursday. The Spanish shotstopper is pleased that his former team-mate has finally been able to show his quality, though frustrated it came against him.
"I trained with him 1,000 times and he never scored a goal with his right foot in any training session," De Gea told Movistar Plus after sharing a moment with Antony post-match. "But now he's confident and is showing the player he is.
"I haven't seen the shot in any matches, I think a player was in front of it and I couldn't see it, but he hit it well with his right foot. I'm happy for him because he was coming from a difficult moment at United and now he's showing the best of himself."
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