Man Utd 'in talks' with several clubs over Antony transfer as one side emerges as favourite

Manchester United are actively engaging in discussions with multiple clubs regarding a potential exit for Antony.

But a move to the most interested club, Real Betis, may require United to shoulder a significant financial burden, according to reports.

Antony has struggled to live up to the hefty £82m fee United paid Ajax for him. Over two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the winger has managed just 12 goals and five assists in 94 appearances.

Despite being a regular under Erik ten Hag initially, Antony fell out of favour prior to Ten Hag's departure, and the arrival of Ruben Amorim has further complicated his position.

Antony does not have a natural fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, leaving his role unclear. As part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s efforts to reduce United’s wage bill and fund a squad overhaul, Antony, who earns £200,000 per week, is one of several high-profile players expected to leave.

The club is already exploring options for a loan move, according to Sky Sports.

While a loan wouldn’t immediately bolster United’s finances, it could put Antony in the shop window and potentially raise his market value, much like Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood during their loan spells.

Real Betis, fresh off selling winger Assane Diao to Como, has emerged as a leading contender for Antony.

However, talkSPORT reports that the Spanish club has stipulated a key condition: United must subsidize more than half of Antony’s wages.

While United are reluctant to agree, they are holding out hope that more suitors will emerge with better terms as the January window progresses. Olympiacos has also expressed interest.

For now, a resolution appears unlikely until the latter stages of the transfer window, when compromises from either United or interested clubs could pave the way for Antony’s departure.

In contrast, Harry Maguire’s position at the club has taken a positive turn.

Once expected to leave with his contract expiring at the season’s end, Maguire has impressed Amorim enough for United to trigger a one-year extension, keeping him at the club until 2026.

As a result, United have revised their transfer plans for the center-back position. Instead of pursuing an established name like Everton’s £70m-rated Jarrad Branthwaite, the club will target a younger, developmental defender.

Maguire will form a core defensive unit alongside Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro next season, with depth provided by Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui in wide center-back roles.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s future has also become a topic of speculation.

Reports from Calciomercato claim the Argentine winger has agreed personal terms with Napoli, where he’s seen as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is heading to PSG.

While United aren’t actively looking to offload Garnacho, they are open to offers in the £60m-£70m range.

In other transfer developments, United’s pursuit of a left wing-back has hit a roadblock. Liverpool is reportedly closing in on United’s target Milos Kerkez, leaving the Red Devils scrambling for alternatives.

The January window remains a critical period for United, with several potential departures and squad adjustments looming as the club looks to balance rebuilding efforts with financial sustainability.