Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United attacker Antony during this summer's transfer window.
The Brazil international made the move to Real Betis on loan in January, and he has been in strong form for the Seville outfit, scoring four goals and registering four assists in 12 appearances in all competitions.
The 25-year-old, as it stands, is due to return to Manchester this summer, but it is highly unlikely that he will represent the Red Devils again, with a permanent exit expected to occur ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Real Betis are keen to sign him on a long-term basis, but it remains to be seen whether Manuel Pellegrini's side have the financial power required to complete a move for the South American.
According to The i Paper, Atletico are keeping a close eye on Antony's form, with senior figures at Wanda Metropolitano being hugely impressed with his displays since arriving in Spanish football.
Man United are believed to be confident of securing in the region of £40m for the attacker, which would represent a huge positive for the 20-time English champions considering his struggles at Old Trafford.
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Atletico 'enter the race' for Man United forward Antony
"We need to crowdfund so he [Antony] can stay at least another year," Real Betis attacker Isco told reporters after the team's 2-1 success over Sevilla in La Liga at the weekend.
"He has surprised us all with his humility and with his willingness to help and add. We have noticed a change since he arrived."
Pellegrini's side have been victorious in each of their last six league matches, which has left them in sixth spot in the La Liga table, only six points behind fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao in the battle for the Champions League spots.
Despite Antony's happiness at Real Betis, Atletico would be a difficult club to reject if Diego Simeone's team came calling due to their ability to offer the chance to challenge for major trophies.
Antony has made 96 appearances for Man United since his arrival from Ajax in 2022, only managing 12 goals and five assists, but he has a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027.
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Has Antony confirmed he will be leaving Man United?
The forward recently dropped a major hint regarding his future when discussing his lifestyle in Spain.
"If they pay that kind of money for you, it's because you have talent and quality. Wherever I go, I'll always speak highly of United," Antony told DAZN.
"I'm very grateful to the club and to Erik ten Hag for what we experienced together, for the titles, and for everything I've learned. I had difficult times there, but also very good ones. I think it prepared me to be here today, enjoying myself.
"My mind is here, and I'm very happy. I found myself, I needed to find myself and be happy. I needed my family to be happy too. Every day that goes by I see that it was the best decision I could have made.
"I'm enjoying the city, the club and everything. It reminds me a lot of Brazil because of the sun, the food, the people are also very happy. All of that is important for someone like me who is used to it."
Antony is also believed to be attracting interest from 'several Italian clubs', with the forward therefore unlikely to be short of offers during this summer's transfer window.
Matt Law
