Manchester United are reportedly still in talks with Ajax over Antony despite having their latest offer, believed to be in the region of £76m, rejected by the Dutch champions on Friday.
The 20-time English champions are desperate to sign the Brazil international before the end of the transfer window but have thus far struggled to settle on a transfer fee with his Eredivisie club.
There have been suggestions that Ajax are looking for a fee in the region of £85m for the attacker, who has expressed a desire to leave the Amsterdam club before the deadline.
"Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them, certainly a great offer," Antony told Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano in an exclusive interview.
"In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because it was a project for two seasons.
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"During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave.
"Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived! Ajax refused with argument that they only have five days to replace me."
According to Sky Sports News, Man United remain in talks with Ajax over the South American, with the club still determined to sign him despite having their latest bid knocked back.
The Dutch champions are said to be under no pressure to sell, placing them in a strong position to demand a higher fee before the end of the transfer window.
Antony has started the 2022-23 campaign in strong form, scoring twice and providing two assists in three appearances, including one goal and two assists in two league fixtures.
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However, the forward was not involved in his side's 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam last weekend, with Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder claiming that the player was not in the right frame of mind to play.
Schreuder later told journalist Mike Verweij: "Antony is not training with the group, but I do see him every day. Nothing has changed since last Sunday. We don't have a deadline. But I am assuming Antony will stay. He has a contract at Ajax."
The Brazilian still has another three years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam, but he is actively attempting to force a move to Man United before the transfer window closes for business.
Antony has scored 24 goals and registered 22 assists in 82 appearances for Ajax since making the move from Sao Paulo in July 2020.
Man United CEO Richard Arnold recently appeared to confirm to a fan that the forward would be joining Erik ten Hag's side in the near future.
Matt Law
