Manchester United are keen to offload Real Betis loanee Antony this summer but they won't hold formal discussions over a sale until the end of the season
Manchester United are growing optimistic they can recoup up to £42.5million (€50m) for Antony this summer in a major boost for Ruben Amorim's finances. The 25-year-old Brazilian has netted six goals and provided four assists for Real Betis since joining the club on loan in January.
And Betis believe Antony has already given them his word that he would like to stay at the club beyond the end of the season. However, United are currently parking formal transfer negotiations until the end of the campaign as both clubs are currently fighting tooth and nail for European glory but in the background.
Despite that, United have already decided that the signings of a new striker and No.10, namely Matheus Cunha, are their top priorities and they want to make those deals happen as quickly as possible.
Antony scored for Betis on Thursday in their Conference League semi-final victory over Fiorentina and Old Trafford chiefs are also keen to hand other sides the chance to throw their hat into the ring.
Atletico Madrid have also reportedly enquired about Antony's availability and United are determined to drive an auction as they know Betis might struggle to match their financial demands over a permanent transfer.
Betis' preference would be to secure another loan for the ex-Ajax attacker, who joined the Red Devils in a deal worth up to £86m in August 2022, but United will push for a sale to bolster Amorim's spending power.
Betis icon Joaquin, now part of the club's board, recently joked he's willing to kidnap Antony in a bid to keep him at the club, telling Spanish TV: "I'll provide the car if he has to be kidnapped, but let him stay no matter what. This is the moment to enjoy. I think important moments will come and we'll see later."
Antony's agent Junior Pedroso recently hit back at United boss Amorim over claims the winger struggled with the physicality of the Premier League.
Still, the Brazil international appears to still respect the Portuguese coach, recently saying of Amorim: "I've only had a short time working with [Amorim], but he's a very good coach.
"A very intelligent coach. United are going through a difficult time at the moment, but he's a good coach. I had a good relationship with him, but I needed a new challenge and I wish him all the luck in the world in this final stretch of the season."
Interestingly, Betis saw loan bids for Antony and Christian Eriksen knocked back last August by United as Erik ten Hag wanted to keep the duo.
But Antony only played 135 minutes of Premier League action during the first half of the campaign and the Red Devils were keen to save cash on his wages. His value has since sky-rocketed on the back of his fine form in Seville and United view the loan as a huge success.