Erik ten Hag is eager for Manchester United to recruit Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich because he thinks the right-back can help Antony get back to playing at Old Trafford.
United is in negotiations to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in order to bolster their midfield options.
The club has already spent about £90 million this summer on signing Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
The United manager has high hopes for a new right-back. Diogo Dalot proved to be a vital member of the team the previous season, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka is one of those that West Ham United is interested in signing.
United have held ‘concrete’ talks with Bayern over a move for Mazraoui – another of ten Hag’s former Ajax players who won three Eredisivise titles under the Dutchman before heading to Germany in 2022.
While his arrival would give United another option down the right in the event of Wan-Bissaka leaving, ten Hag is convinced the Morocco international can help unlock the potential of Antony, who has struggled in Manchester since his arrival two years ago.
Mazraoui and Antony forged an understanding operating down the right during their days together at Ajax with ten Hag believing the full-back’s presence can improve Antony’s performances, The Times report.
Antony was signed from Ajax for £85million in August 2022, scoring in his first three appearances for the club.
The Brazil international also scored a crucial winner in the Europa League triumph over Barcelona last season but goal and assist returns have been a deep cause for concern, scoring just three times last season with just one of those coming in the Premier League.
In all, Antony has scored 11 goals and recorded five assists in the 82 appearances since joining United with his agent this week dismissing reports he could leave the club on loan this summer.
Bayern meanwhile are open to selling Mazraoui this summer and are hoping to collect a fee of between €25million [£21m] and €20million [£16.8m]. But United consider €15m [£12.6m] to €20m [£16.8m] to be a more realistic price.