Ajax have targeted Hakim Ziyech as a potential replacement for Manchester United target Antony, according to 90min.
The Athletic reported on Thursday night that the Red Devils had failed with a new £67.6 million bid for the Brazilian international.
Like Frenkie de Jong, Antony has been one of Erik ten Hag‘s priority targets throughout the summer transfer window.
The Reds look to have accepted defeat in the pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder and are on the cusp of signing five-time Champions League winner Casemiro from Real Madrid.
With the 30-year-old, who could be in the stands when Manchester United face Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night, itching closer to becoming a Reds player, Ten Hag’s focus looks to be on reuniting with Casemiro’s fellow countryman.
Ajax target Hakim Ziyech as potential Antony replacement
With Ajax expecting Manchester United to return with a new improved bid for Antony, they are reportedly putting plans in place for his possible departure by targeting former playmaker Ziyech.
The former Sau Paulo starlet, who was brought to Amsterdam by Ten Hag, has refused to publicly commit his future to the reigning Eredivisie champions.
The 22-year-old was asked if he could give fans of the Dutch giants any guarantees that he will still be in Amsterdam when the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
In an interview with De Telegraaf he answered: “No, to be perfectly honest, I can’t.
“What I can say is that I want to come to the right decision with my family, business partners and Ajax, which is good for everyone.
“In the end, God determines my future.”
With the chances of Antony, who was absent from training on Friday, potentially leaving before the transfer window closes increasing, 90min claim that Ajax are looking to fill the void with the return of Ziyech.
The 29-year-old, who is out-of-favour under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, has been lined up for a potential loan move.
The Moroccan earned his big-money £36.6m move to Stamford Bridge off the back of his dazzling form with Ajax under Ten Hag.
Under United’s new manager he scored 35 goals and provided 53 assists from 100 matches. Following Ziyech’s move to west London, the 52-year-old replaced his former star with the arrival of Antony in what was a shrewd piece of business.
Ziyech also shone under current Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder during their time together at FC Twente – the left-footer scored 17 goals and provided 18 assists from 42 matches.
With Ziyech and Schreuder potentially reuniting at Ajax – United could find a breakthrough in negotiations with Ajax for Antony.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Antony wants the move to United and reuniting the South American with Ten Hag is the club’s priority.
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