Manchester United reluctant to extend Antony loan amidst reports of Leverkusen interest | OneFootball

Manchester United are reluctant to extend Antony’s loan spell at Real Betis despite interest from the Spanish club, as they strive to recoup funds ahead of a busy transfer window, reports say.

The 25-year-old failed to find his feet at the Theatre of Dreams but a loan spell in Andalucia has proved fruitful for the Brazilian, who played the entirety of Real Betis’ UEFA Conference League defeat to Chelsea in midweek.

Los Verdiblancos wish to extend his loan stint in Seville, as reported by Marca in Spain, and have scheduled a meeting with Manchester United executives next week to ‘evaluate different scenarios’.

It is understood that bosses at Real Betis are keen to secure the Brazilian’s services on loan for a further season, though this is perceived to be the least likely outcome with The Red Devils aiming to recover at least a portion of the hefty transfer fee they paid Ajax three years ago.

One idea that has been touted is that Real Betis could look to buy out a percentage of Antony’s contract, which would reduce the immediate financial outlay for los Verdiblancos while aiding The Red Devils, who have missed out on the lucrative finances associated with playing European football as a result of their UEFA Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

But away from Andalusia, Germany’s Kicker suggests that the Brazilian is ‘being discussed internally’ at Bayer Leverkusen following the German club’s decision to appoint Erik ten Hag. The 55-year-old Dutchman signed the former Ajax man for a fee of £82m during his time at Manchester United, and a reunion could be on the cards if die Werkself can table a suitable offer.