MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on the £84million signing of Antony, with the Brazilian winger now in Carrington for his medical.
The Ajax man has completed his medical and an official announcement on the transfer is expected today.
Meanwhile Barcelona's Sergino Dest is keen on a move to United, after being told he is not part of Xavi's plan.
The clubs are reportedly willing to negotiate a swap deal with Red Devils right-back Aaron Wan Bissaka going the other way.
United have also made an enquiry for Achraf Hakimi as they continue their search for a new full-back.
And they are on the verge of signing Newcastle's Martin Dubravka as backup goalkeeper to David de Gea.
Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo may finally get his move to a Champions League club, with Napoli reported to be closing in on a deal.
Get all the latest transfer news from around the world.
- IN: Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro
- OUT: Paul Pogba (released), Juan Mata (released), Jesse Lingard (released), Nemanja Matic (Roma), Edinson Cavani (released), Lee Grant (released), D'Mani Mellor (released), Reece Devine (released), Paul McShane (released), Connor Stanley (released), Paul Woolston (released)
- EVERY Premier League done deal this summer
- James Colasanti
Dest door opening?
Manchester United target Sergino Dest is not a part of Barcelona's plans this season, according to reports in Spain.
The USA right-back, 21, who joined the Catalans from Ajax in 2020, has not had any minutes for the La Liga giants yet this season.
And that is not likely to change under Barca boss Xavi, according to barcauniversal.com.
There have been reports the Red Devils and Barcelona are in talks over a swap deal involving Dest and United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
- James Colasanti
Antony 'really not worth £84m'
Dutch legend Marco Van Basten says Antony is worth nowhere near his reported £84million price tag.
The Ajax winger is on the brink of a move to Manchester United to join up with his former boss Erik Ten Hag.
Speaking on the Ziggo Sport show, ex-Netherlands striker and manager Van Basten, 57, said: " "Antony worth €100M? No, by far no."
He added: "Antony hasn't proven much yet.
"Of course he played a few good games. But his efficiency has not been high in the last two years."
- Justin Lawrence
Pain in the a*** Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has become a "pain in the a***" for most of his Manchester United team-mates, according to reports.
In the 12 months since his return to United, a source told ESPN that he has also wound up his team-mates.
The main reason for that is Ronaldo's expectations – with his team-mates not meeting the standards he experienced in his first spell at the club.
He reportedly expects players like Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford to perform like Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney – and shows little patience when they are unable to reach those lofty standards.
As a result, many in the Red Devils' squad were said to be happy when they learned Ronaldo wanted to leave.
- Justin Lawrence
Fuming Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo will be fuming that he's spent the last two matches on Man United's bench, Rio Ferdinand reckons.
He said: "Whether he stays or not, none of us know, but knowing Cristiano, I know for a fact that he will be absolutely fuming right now. Forget who’s starting in front of him. That he’s not starting.
“You don’t get to do what he’s done in his career over this amount of time at the levels he’s been playing, being somebody who is going to sit there and accept being a sub, for a team that ain’t in the Champions League.
“For some people that’s cool. But Cristiano Ronaldo ain’t built like that. You can’t expect him to change at 37. He’ll have been the same at 21.
“Whatever anybody says about pressing, running, he’ll be sitting there going, I scored 24 goals last year.”
- Justin Lawrence
No Wan do
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is reportedly being hunted by Crystal Palace and West Ham.
But Man United won't release him before the transfer deadline as they haven't got any cover, according to The Athletic.
The publication's writer David Ornstein wrote: "Manchester United have received approaches from Crystal Palace and West Ham United about the possibility of signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“It is believed that both advances were turned down as the Old Trafford club do not intend to sell or loan the 24-year-old right-back before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
“If Wan-Bisssaka was to depart a replacement would be required, to ensure manager Erik ten Hag has two options in that position. There is little expectation of that happening at this late stage.
- Kealan Hughes
Good morning Man United fans
Antony is on the brink of completing his blockbuster move to Manchester United.
The Ajax aced arrived in England last night and headed straight to Carrington to undergo a medical.
His £85million move from the Johan Cruyff Arena is set to be announced imminently.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, are reportedly still keen on signing Napoli ace Victor Osimhen – despite the imminent signing of Antony.
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg tweeted: “He‘s definitely a potential top transfer target for #MUFC!
“Regardless of whether a swap deal with #Ronaldo works out or not.
“The bosses see a lot of quality & development potential in him. He’s on the list.
“No negotiations with him at this stage.”
United legend Gary Neville has urged the Glazer family to sell the club after seeing Real Madrid's revamp of the Bernabeu.
He tweeted: “To Joel and Avram. Stop delaying the inevitable and sell now.”
- Chisanga Malata
Ronaldo a pain
Cristiano Ronaldo's Manchester United team-mates reportedly greeted news of his desire to leave Old Trafford warmly.
That's according to ESPN, who claim the Portuguese's colleagues view him as a "pain in the a**e."
- Chisanga Malata
United still pushing for Osimhen transfer
Manchester United are reportedly still keen on signing Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.
That's the claim of Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, who tweeted: "He‘s definitely a potential top transfer target for #MUFC!
"Regardless of whether a swap deal with #Ronaldo works out or not.
"The bosses see a lot of quality & development potential in him. He’s on the list.
"No negotiations with him at this stage."
- Chisanga Malata
Antony slammed
Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has slammed Antony for publicly demanding to leave the club in order to join Manchester United.
He told ESPN: "If you're Ajax, it's just bad that this happens, I understand if you're disappointed for a day or two, but you're also a professional.
"But within a few days you will understand what is going on. Then I'll just continue with the guys who are there,
"Of course there are several people who decide about it. I just think it's bad that it happens. I'm angry about it too,
"What are we doing now? That frustrates you as a trainer," he said. "Then I think: you're just a fucking player. You just have to do your thing,
"I talk to him about it and hear his side of the story. You try to brush it off as a trainer and move on with the guys you do have.
"But my personal feeling is that it's just bad."
- Chisanga Malata
Neville's message to the Glazers
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged the Glazer family to sell the club after seeing Real Madrid's plans for their new stadium.
He quote-tweeted Real's video of the ongoing renovations and wrote: "To Joel and Avram.
"Stop delaying the inevitable and sell now."
- Chisanga Malata
Antony "pressure"
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand claims Antony will be under immediate "pressure" to deliver once his £85million move from Ajax is finalised.
During the latest episode of his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: "It's pressure.
These new signings, [Lisandro] Martinez coming in, he looks like he has not got a bit of pressure on him, it's like you haven't seen the price tag the way he's moving at Man United.
"Antony you hope comes in at the levels he's coming in £100m or roughly around that figure, that he comes in and that doesn't weigh heavy on his neck.
"You look at [Jack] Grealish last year, he wasn't the same Grealish that played at Aston Villa, so it can weigh heavy.
"He won the league so he's happy so it doesn't matter, but sometimes when players come in with the big transfer fees, they don't play with the freedom that they had before, and that can be a couple of things.
"It can be the price tag weighing heavy and the pressure and the attention of being under the spotlight, a new environment and club and culture that they're not used to, and a team set up that they're not used to, those three things are big things that come into play when you sign but you have to have the personality and character to deal with all that, that's a big thing.
"Antony, people forget as well, you're spending that money on Antony and he's not the finished article, 22 years old, so you're buying potential really at 22 years old to go in and perform, so don't expect that he's going to come in and be absolutely fire from the first day.
"Scholesy [Paul Scholes] said it well the other day, you've got to forget the price tag nowadays because the prices are just stupid, they're outlandish and judge them for what they are, who they are and the timing of when they're coming to the club.
"Martinez is a bit more experienced and you look at Antony and you go, he's got great potential, let's see what he can do."
- Chisanga Malata
Antony arrives at Carrington!
Ajax ace Antony has been pictured arriving at Manchester United's Carrington training ground ahead of his £85million move to Old Trafford.
- Chisanga Malata
Another exit on the cards?
Tahith Chong is reportedly wanted by Birmingham City – who snapped up the midfielder’s team-mate Hannibal Mejbri on a season-long loan today.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed on Twitter: “Manchester United and Birmingham City are in advanced talks also for Tahith Chong.
“Been told could be a permanent transfer with BCFC now pushing.
“#BCFC Negotiations ongoing, Birmingham want Chong after signing Hannibal on loan.”
- Chisanga Malata
Chong eyed by Birmingham
Birmingham City are eyeing a move for United midfielder Tahith Chong following their loan signing of Red Devil Hannibal Mejbri
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Manchester United and Birmingham City are in advanced talks also for Tahith Chong.
"Been told could be a permanent transfer with BCFC now pushing.
"#BCFC Negotiations ongoing, Birmingham want Chong after signing Hannibal on loan.
- Chisanga Malata
'Fuming Ronaldo'
Rio Ferdinand reckons his former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will be seething with Erik ten Hag's decision to start him on the bench this season.
During the latest episode of his Vibe with Five podcast, he said: 'Whether he stays or not, none of us know.
"But knowing Cristiano [Ronaldo], I know for a fact that he will be absolutely fuming right now.
'Forget who's starting in front of him, [that] he's not starting.
"You don't get to do what he's done in his career over this amazing amount of time at the levels he's been playing by being someone who's going to accept not starting and being a sub for a team that isn't in the Champions League."
Credit: AFP
- Chisanga Malata
"Full" Dubravka agreement reached
Manchester United have reportedly reached a "full agreement" with Newcastle United for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Twitter: "Manchester United are set to sign Martin Dúbravka, here we go!
"Full agreement reached, loan deal with buy option £5m not mandatory. It’s agreed with Newcastle and player side."
- Chisanga Malata
Antony medical!
Ajax midfielder Antony has arrived in England to undergo a medical ahead of his £85million move to Manchester United.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Antony has just landed in England right now — set to undergo medical tests as Man Utd player tonight."
- Chisanga Malata
Lopez signing slammed
Graeme Souness has claimed Manchester United newboy Lisandro Martinez's style of defending will get "found out"
The former Liverpool player and manager told talkSPORT: “He’s not particularly special at anything.
“I would say he’s aggressive, and the other thing I don’t like about him, he goes to ground to readily, that is not a good sign for a defender, the clever ones stay on their feet and they’re reading it, they’re there, they’re anticipating, if you’re lunging all the time you’re not reading it.
“I come back to his size, he will get found out in the Premier League, I fire this question out to the listeners, I’ve been in the game a long time, I can’t tell you anyone that size who’s been a success in our game, I think ultimately you get found out
“He’s vertically challenged, I was racking my mind to come up with anyone who’s played in the Premier League or the first division that size and been a success, I think he will get sorely tested and found out getting forward.
“Imagine what [Erling] Haaland’s going to do to him, or [Darwin] Nunez or [Aleksandar] Mitrovic, deary me it will be a mismatch.”
- Chisanga Malata
Hannibal speaks on United exit
Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is champing at the bit to play for Birmingham City following his loan move to St Andrew's.
He said: “It is an honour to come and play for this Club.
“I have heard a lot of good things from my friends who have played here before, so I am ready to come and play for this Club.”
- Chisanga Malata
Done deal!
Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri has joined Championship outfit Birmingham City on loan for the remainder of the season.
An excerpt of a club statement read: "Manchester United midfielder Hannibal has joined Birmingham City on loan for the 2022/23 season."
It signed off: "Everybody would like to wish Hannibal the best of luck this term, as we follow his progress at St. Andrew’s."
Credit: AP - Chisanga Malata
Mendes working on Ronaldo 'swap deal'
Super agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly still working on a swap deal with Cristiano Ronaldo and Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.
That's according to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, who said on Monday: "In fact, there are hours of waiting to understand if Jorge Mendes , agent of the Portuguese champion, will bring a concrete offer to realize the return of Ronaldo to Italy and the transfer of Osimhen to Manchester United."
Credit: Rex
- Chisanga Malata
Ref alert
Paul Tierney will officiate Manchester United's Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
- Chisanga Malata
Deal imminent
Birmingham City are on the verge of signing Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri on loan for the remainder of the season.
That's according to The Athletic, who claim the deal could be completed "today."
- Chisanga Malata
Asensio offered to Red Devils
Wantaway Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio has been offered toManchester United.
That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who told Wettfreunde: "Marco Asensio has been offered to many important English clubs by his agent over the past two weeks, including Arsenal and Man Utd.
“Right now he is not the priority for Man Utd. He was one of the options in case the Antony deal didn’t go through. But now it’s almost done, so that’s not the case. And I don’t see them signing another winger at this point.
“For Arsenal there are no direct negotiations with Real Madrid but the relationship with Jorge Mendes is always very good so it could be a last-minute idea. But at the moment it is no negotiations.
“Certainly Marco Asensio is looking for an opportunity and by deadline day he will try to find a good opportunity because he wants to play. He wants regular playing time. But if he doesn’t play, he will stay at Real Madrid and then have a great chance to go on a free transfer next summer.
“So his agent may be working on a free transfer for next summer if nothing happens this week.”
Credit: Getty - Chisanga Malata
Gakpo breaks silence on future
PSV ace Cody Gakpo admits his future is a "puzzle" in light of United's imminent signing of Antony.
He told ESPN: "Fun for [Antony], but for me and my future, I think that has no influence.
"It's like a puzzle so in the next few days I will see which puzzle fits best.
"For me, it'd certainly not be bad to stay at PSV. We'll see."
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