According to 90min, Ajax plan to sign Leeds and Newcastle target Hakim Ziyech if Antony leaves for Manchester United.
What’s the story?
Well, the Brazilian winger skipped training yesterday after Ajax rejected a bid worth £68m from the Red Devils, with the Dutch giants holding out for a fee of £78m.
However, Ajax expect Manchester United to return with another offer, so are therefore making plans to bring Ziyech back to Amsterdam – a player who is supposedly wanted by Jesse Marsch and Eddie Howe.
It was said that Leeds want the Morocco international as a replacement for Raphinha, whereas one journalist claimed that Newcastle “like the player” as the Magpies aim to strengthen their attack.
Newcastle are also interested in another Chelsea forward – Christian Pulisic.
90min add that Thomas Tuchel has told Ziyech he can leave Stamford Bridge, after he made just 14 Premier League starts last season – the Blues are even said to be willing to sell for just £8m, taking a £25m loss on their initial £33m investment.
AC Milan are also interested in signing the 29-year-old, who was described as “The Wizard” by those in Amsterdam before he left for Chelsea in 2020.
Leeds & Newcastle face difficulty as Ajax & Manchester United negotiate
In our view, Leeds and Newcastle now face a tough task in convincing Ziyech to join them.
For a start, the Chelsea No.22 is loved at Ajax, and after a few underwhelming seasons in west London, he may welcome a return to the Amsterdam Arena.
Furthermore, Ajax will have money to spend if Manchester United do stump up £78m for Antony, so they could blow Leeds and Newcastle away by offering far more than the £8m Chelsea want for Ziyech.
Furthermore, the Eredivisie champions can offer him Champions League football, something Leeds and Newcastle cannot.
Keep an eye on this situation, as Manchester United and Antony could have a big say on the future of Ziyech before the August 31st deadline.
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