UNITED PRICED OUT OF ANT DEAL

EXCLUSIVE BY DAVID McDONNELL MANCHESTER UNITED have been told it will cost them £70million to sign Ajax forward Antony.

New Reds boss Erik ten Hag wanted to raid his former club to capture the Brazil star, 22, (left) but the Dutch side’s valuation has put the move in doubt. United are close to a £68m deal with Barcelona for another of Ten Hag’s old Ajax players, midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

It is believed a deal with United paying £55m up front, plus £13m in add-ons, is close for the 25-year-old.

United could also be thwarted in their efforts to sign Ajax defender Lisandro

Martinez, as well as Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia, 22, who is wanted by Lyon.

Arsenal submitted a £35m bid for Argentina star Martinez, 24, yesterday, with United needing to move quickly by putting in a better offer.

United have failed in their efforts to land another Ajax star, centre-back Jurrien

Timber, 21. And Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen, 30, is waiting to see the calibre of players the Reds sign before making a decision on his future.

He is a free agent after his short-term deal with Brentford expired and also has offers from the Bees, Leicester, Everton, Newcastle and former club Tottenham on the table.