Ten Hag Closing In On His First Signing – £40m Forward ‘On His Way’

Erik ten Hag has identified Frenkie de Jong as his priority transfer, but the midfielder might not be his first signing at Manchester United.

The Red Devils are preparing a second offer for the Barcelona midfielder after their opening offer of €60m plus bonuses was turned down by the Catalan giants.

However, John Murtough, the club’s director of football, and his recruitment staff are understood to be working on securing another deal at the same time. United are reported to be chasing up to five players in Ten Hag’s first transfer window at the club.

According to The Sun, United are closing in on signing Antony from Ajax. The Brazilian winger is ‘on his way’ to Old Trafford in a £40m move. It is added that the Premier League side’s officials are due in Amsterdam this week to get a deal for the exciting winger over the line.

The 22-year-old was Ajax’s most important creative outlet under the Dutch tactician last season, managing 10 assists in 32 games across all competitions. He is full of admiration for his former manager, and now looks set to follow him to England.

De Jong and Antony aren’t the only former Ajax players Ten Hag is targeting. Lisandro Martinez is also on the manager’s wish list, and the Argentine centre-back is admired by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as well.