Ten Hag told raid for Ajax pair would cost £130m
Manchester United will be told they will have to pay around £130 million if Erik ten Hag wants to sign Antony and Lisandro Martinez from his former club Ajax.
The duo have emerged as targets for United, who have still to complete their first summer signing, despite edging closer to the arrival of Frenkie de Jong from Barcelona.
Brazilian winger Antony and Argentine centre-half Martinez also feature on their former manager’s wish list although, unlike Barcelona, Ajax are under no pressure to sell either player.
The Dutch club value Antony, 22, at £70-80million, and Martinez, 24, at £45-50million.
Martinez is also a target for Arsenal, who appear to be in a stronger position than United, given that Ten Hag does not have an inexhaustible amount of money to spend on his squad.
While Barcelona have financial limitations and are rebuilding themselves, Ajax have no such issues and have made it clear that it would take huge offers for them to sell.
De Jong has always been Ten Hag’s primary target. The indications are that his transfer will be completed in the coming days.
Barcelona have held out, publicly, for €80million (£69million) and, while United have tabled a bid of around €63 million, they are believed to be prepared to strike a deal that would be worth more if incentive clauses are met.
United also expect to hear from Denmark international Christian Eriksen this week over whether he will accept an offer, having come to the end of his short-term contract with Brentford. Everton, Newcastle United and Leicester City, as well as Brentford, have all reportedly tabled offers to the 30-year-old.
Ten Hag took his first day of training at the club’s Carrington centre yesterday with 15 players, none of whom were involved in summer internationals, reporting for duty.