Antony looks set to find a permanent exit from Manchester United this summer after his tremendous form for Real Betis.
The turnaround Antony has had in his career over the past five months is incredible, going from a player that Manchester United wanted rid of by any means necessary to a cult hero at Real Betis.
Throughout his time with Betis, Antony has scored a number of incredible goals, including one against David de Gea last week in the Conference League.
Due to his heroics, United have now set an asking price of £42m for Antony, which is a vast increase on anything being thought as a possibility last summer. Betis legend Joaquin has signalled his desire for Antony to join permanently.
Betis have competition with Arsenal showing interest, and Atletico Bilbao leading the race to sign the Brazilian permanently.
However, despite the unlikely nature of Betis affording Antony, talks between the clubs have still taken place as recently as the weekend.
Manu Fajardo reveals talks with Manchester United not about Antony
Antony has played himself into a bigger move this summer, showing the ability that got him signed by United in the first place, but in doing so, he has priced himself out of a move to Betis.
However, speaking to Spanish outlet Relevo, Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has claimed that talks are ongoing around other subjects.
“We are fortunate to host big clubs in our stadium every week. In the last game, one of them was United; we have an excellent and magnificent relationship.
“Honestly, the least discussed thing was Antony. There was talk of synergy, of possible deals they want to make, of possible departures they want to make.
“And, obviously, when Betis treats the assets of other big clubs like Manchester United or Barcelona so well, we are very fortunate to be positioned for the upcoming transfer markets and have more priority information than other clubs.”
From the sounds of this, Betis and United have an excellent relationship building after this year. But what could the talk have been about, and which other players could be involved?
Manchester United have been linked with Real Betis pair
So while Antony may not be the topic of these discussions, there are plenty of other topics for United and Betis to discuss.
In April, United in Focus reported that United had enquired for Betis ace Jesus Rodriguez, which would be an interesting move that might even be involved with the Antony sale.
In addition, United have also been rumoured to have an interest in Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso, although this looks like less of an Ineos deal.
Betis may be looking at some United players as well as stated, several United players expected to be sold this summer.
All signs are pointing toward United and Betis doing business this summer, although it remains to be seen what this will be.
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