Man United chiefs have discussed unique Antony loan deal with two European clubs interested

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Manchester United are trying to find a solution for Antony ahead of the start of the January transfer window.

The £82m deal that brought Antony to Manchester United from Ajax is one of the most heavily criticised transfers of all time.

Gary Neville slammed the Antony deal as one of the worst deals in United’s history, and it has since been revealed that United overpaid for Antony by £60m.

The Brazilian winger struggled to settle in at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim is open to offloading Antony.

According to the Daily Mail, Antony is now valued at just £23m and interest is starting to pick up ahead of the January window opening on Wednesday.

Ajax and Real Betis monitoring Antony

According to Spanish outlet ABC, La Liga side Real Betis are exploring a potential loan deal for Antony in January.

They claim that a deal is considered “very difficult” by Betis but that the first moves have already been made through director Manu Fajardo and Antony’s agents.

Antony’s agent has confirmed interest from several clubs ahead of January and transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has told United in Focus that his former club Ajax are also showing interest.

Bailey confirmed that Betis have held talks over a potential move for Antony alongside Ajax.

However, one problem United are facing is that neither club are able to commit massive wages to sign Antony permanently. Instead, a unique loan deal is being discussed.

Man United discuss 18-month Antony loan deal

Antony currently earns £200,000 per week so United and Amorim will be eager to get him off the club’s books to free up funds elsewhere.

However, with Betis and Ajax unable to match Antony’s wage demands, a bizarre 18-month loan deal is on the cards.

Bailey confirmed to United in Focus that the Red Devils have discussed an 18-month loan deal as they believe that would give Antony enough time to improve his performances.

READ MORE: Man United scouts snubbed £55m Champions League ‘superstar’ to instead sign Antony

The concern around a shorter loan deal is that Antony may continue to struggle and therefore his transfer value would only continue to decrease.

Antony’s contract is valid until 2027 so a long-term loan deal could work and help to find him a permanent exit.