Manchester United outcast Antony is yet to finalise a summer exit, but he could play a surprise role in the Red Devils’ pursuit of Carlos Baleba.
The Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has emerged as a key transfer target in recent days, amid Ruben Amorim’s desire to bolster his options in the middle of the park, although the Seagulls are reluctant to sell.
Chelsea have been tipped to pursue a move in recent months, while Man Utd have now expressed their interest in his services, as confirmed by football transfer experts Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein.
The Red Devils are eager to sign a new central midfielder following Christian Eriksen’s exit on a Bosman deal and Baleba has emerged as a dream target amid their inability to finalise a deal for Atalanta star Ederson.
However, Brighton chairman Paul Barber has confirmed that he is yet to receive an official approach from Man Utd.
“We’ve got some great talent, there’s always going to be interest in our players,” he told BBC Radio Sussex.
“Man Utd have not been in touch with me. So from that point of view, speculation is speculation. We will always try to make sure we sell our best players at the right time, not just for the player but for us.
“If we end up doing that with any player, it’s with the view to leave Fabian with a very competitive squad, whatever happens. We don’t want to sell our best players.
“Carlos is a fantastic talent who has a lot of years ahead of him. We hope he will be here for many years to come. But it’s something that, as always, is subjective to the dynamics of the football world which isn’t always predictable.”
Antony to help Man Utd sign Carlos Baleba?
Despite Barber’s comments, Man Utd may still succeed in their pursuit of Baleba, with Antony potentially set to play a key role.
CaughtOffside claim that he has already rejected approaches from Saudi Arabia and Brazilian club Botafogo, but he is now reportedly being pursued by Atletico Madrid, Benfica, Brighton and RB Leipzig.
Brighton have already sold Simon Adingra and Joao Pedro so far this summer, while fellow attackers Evan Ferguson, Ibrahim Osman, Amario Cozier-Duberry and Do-young Yoon have been sent on loan.
As a result, Fabian Hurzeler’s side are reportedly in the market for a new forward and they have sounded out Antony as a potential option, as per CaughtOffside.
The 25-year-old registered 14 goal contributions in 26 games for Real Betis during the second-half of last season and he is expected to leave Man Utd on a permanent deal this summer after being placed in the club’s ‘Bomb Squad’ by Amorim.
Although Brighton are desperate to retain Baleba, their interest in Antony could potentially allow Man Utd to negotiate a lower fee for the Cameroon international, which may make a possible transfer more likely.
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