Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram as a potential back-up option if a deal cannot be agreed with Ajax for Antony.
Signing and reuniting the 22-year-old Brazilian with Erik ten Hag has seemingly become Manchester United’s priority before the summer transfer window closes in seven days time.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils agreed a five-year deal with Antony’s representatives ten days ago.
The former Sau Paulo whizkid has handed in an official transfer request to Ajax, reports De Telegraaf.
Ajax number 11’s representatives are reportedly house hunting in England, claims Mike Vermijl and Antony’s team have based themselves in London near United’s offices for the remainder of the transfer window to help push through a dream move for their client, reports The Telegraph.
Having boycotted training last week, the nine-time Brazil international was absent from Ajax’s matchday squad in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Sparta Rotterdam.
Manchester United eye Marcus Thuram as back-up option
While a move for Antony will hopefully be agreed with Ajax before the summer transfer window slams shut, Manchester United reportedly have a new name on their forward hitlist if a move for the much-coveted Brazilian fails to materialise.
Alongside Cody Gakpo and Christian Pulisic, ESPN report that Gladbach’s Thuram is also on United’s radar.
The 25-year-old Frenchman has started the season in blistering form for the Bundesliga side.
Marcus, son of legendary French defender Lilian Thuram, has five goals from four games so far this season.
The four-time France international has already surpassed his goal tally for last season (3) in the first month of the new campaign.
From 106 matches for Gladbach, the former Guingamp man is averaging a goal involvement in every other game for the Stadion im Borussia-Park side.
He has 33 goals and 24 assists to his name and with his contract expiring in June a move could prove quite straight forward to broker.
But United and Ten Hag’s attention will be fixated on bringing the talented left-footer Antony to the Theatre of Dreams.
But if Ajax do price United out of a move, interest in Thuram could be intensified.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
