Man Utd transfer is on after '£26m deal agreed' as club chief provides update

Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has laid out the club's plans to try and re-sign Antony from Manchester United this summer. The 25-year-old winger reignited his career in Spain during the second half of last season, registering nine goals and five assists in 26 appearances on loan.

United want to sell Antony permanently to help fund Ruben Amorim's attacking overhaul ahead of his first full season as head coach. And while there is mutual interest in a reunion between the Brazilian and Betis, there are questions over whether a permanent swoop was feasible.

The La Liga club's transfer kitty is set for a boost after reportedly agreeing a £26million deal to sell American midfielder Johnny Cardoso to Atletico Madrid.

Cardoso is said to have accepted a five-year contract to move to Madrid, and it is now up to Betis how they invest the funds they receive for the 23-year-old.

Fajardo has insisted that while the operation to bring Antony back to Seville is complicated, Betis will try everything within their means to push the transfer through.

"We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation. Given the player's level and his recent career at Real Betis, it's not an easy transaction," Fajardo explained.

"But, as long as Antony hasn't committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony.

"I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club.

"In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past so that Antony can be here.

"Today, the market is open. As I said before, it's very dynamic, and we are part of that game."

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United reportedly want between £21m to £25m to part ways with Antony, an eye-watering loss on the £86m they paid Ajax for his services in 2022.

Fajardo's comments suggest that Betis will attempt to get creative so that they will not have to pay the total fee this summer.

The Red Devils will be open to discussions over an agreement, given Antony does not feature in Amorim's plans next season.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are also expected to depart for good.