Antony makes call on Champions League move as United eye £35m sale to fund further signings – report

Antony is expected to leave Manchester United this summer.

After a brilliant second half last season, it became clear that moving on would be a wise step for the winger.

A return to Real Betis, where he shone on loan, looked the smarter option.

However, Betis have struggled to convince United of a deal for the Samba star.

The La Liga side insists they cannot afford the £35 million fee United are demanding, leaving uncertainty over where Antony will land.

On Thursday, hopes rose that Benfica might unlock this stalled transfer.

But revelations following the Portuguese club’s entry into the race only highlight how tricky the situation is.

Antony: Real Betis and Benfica

Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo have attempted to unpack the Antony saga.

They claim the winger remains committed to Betis, holding out for a return to Heliopolis.

As for the Green and Whites, as deadline day approaches, despite no agreement, they remain confident of landing him.

Benfica had hoped to take advantage of Betis’s struggle to meet United’s demands.

But according to Estadio Deportivo, they have run into problems of their own.

The Spanish outlet claims:

“The truth is that the emergence of Benfica, who have joined the suitors and have also asked about a loan, has not meant any change in the situation as much as it has not altered at all the plans of the Sao Paulo player to reunite with the Betis fans, because, despite the fact that they [Benfica] are playing in the Champions League qualifying phase, and in Manchester they would see this route as a better option … the footballer has decided to bet heavily on Betis.”

With less than a week until the new season, INEOS will be frustrated that Antony remains on their books.

Yet they have no choice but to stand firm on their valuation.

United still expect to make one or two more signings, with Carlos Baleba among those linked. Sales like Antony’s could help fund those deals.

Antony’s Champions League heavyweight transfer wish

Fortunately for United, despite Betis being his clear preference, Antony has hinted he is open to joining a top Champions League side.

If one steps forward, the 20-time English champions may finally bring this long-running saga to a close.

Featured image Gabriele Maltinti via Getty Images

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