Man Utd can dream of huge Antony sale as TWO Saudi clubs barge into race

Two unnamed Saudi clubs have joined the race to sign Manchester United outcast Antony, whose return to Real Betis looks increasingly unlikely.

The Brazilian winger is keen to move back to Seville after a reinvigorating six months on loan at the Estadio Villamarin. However, talks between Man Utd and Real Betis continue to prove eminently difficult.

The Red Devils have spent big on Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, and now need big-money sales to bring in more players, with a top-class No.9 an absolute priority right now.

Real Betis, on the other hand, can’t break the bank on Antony, as much as they might want to. They don’t have the means to match Man Utd’s demands, but they had been hopeful that the 25-year-old’s desire to return could have forced the Old Trafford club to soften their stance.

However, in recent days, Betis’ confidence of re-signing Antony has increasingly given way to pessimism, with both the club’s president and sporting director admitting earlier this week that negotiations are very challenging.

Saudi clubs want Antony

Sky Sports has now confirmed that a move to Betis is looking ‘unrealistic’ at this stage and revealed that two unnamed Saudi clubs hold an interest in Antony.

The Brazilian’s priority is to remain in Europe, but the report posits that he could be open to a move to the Middle East should no other viable options emerge between now and the end of the window. The same outlet recently downplayed Atletico Madrid’s interest in Antony.

The Spanish giants are monitoring his situation, but he is not a priority right now. Similarly, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are said to be keeping tabs on the 25-year-old. However, the former consider a deal too expensive, while the latter need a left-winger.

Interest from Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is increasing, which will be music to Man Utd’s ears as they look to cash in on their €95 million investment. Man Utd are hopeful of recouping around €40 million to €50m for Antony, which is a figure that likely only Saudi clubs would be prepared to pay.

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