Manchester City 'preparing to rival Barcelona for Antony'

Manchester City are reportedly ready to battle Barcelona for the signature of Ajax attacker Antony during next summer's transfer window.

The 21-year-old has scored 13 times and registered 12 assists in 55 appearances for his Dutch outfit since making the move from Sao Paulo in July 2020.

This term, the forward has registered three goals and two assists in nine outings at club level, while he has netted once in three appearances for the Brazilian national side.

Barcelona continue to be strongly linked with the South American, but according to El Nacional, there is also serious interest from the Premier League in the shape of Man City.

The report claims that the Citizens are hoping to fight off competition from Ronald Koeman's side in order to win the race for Antony ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in the attacker, who still has four years left to run on his contract in Amsterdam.