Schreuder to keep Antony at Ajax despite Manchester United’s interest

Antony was key in

's title-winning campaigns in the Netherlands, and the newly-appointed

boss is reportedly keen on a reunion with the Brazilian as the Red Devils are reportedly reluctant to pay more than £67.9m but are now exploring a new offer with an improved structure of payments to reunite Antony with his former boss.

Despite the Brazilian winger pushing for a move to Premier League, Ajax maintained their perfect start to the Eredivisie campaign with head coach

Alfred Schreuder

remaining optimistic about the

's future with Ajax.

Schreuder told

:

"I want Antony to stay, so I don't assume he will be sold.

"The money we are talking about is absurd these days. [But] we've already sold five or six base players. I don't like it if we sell another player. I think we are very strong financially."

Taking a dig at Manchester United’s absence from the Champions League, the former

assistant coach added:

"We play Champions League, I don't think United do."

Last year, the 22-year-old was an important part of

. He scored 12 goals and set up 10 more to help the team win the league and advance to the knockout stages of the

. Schreuder confirmed in a pre-match interview that Antony was left out due to not being in the right state of mind to play.

"

I spoke to him. He has indicated that he does not feel 100 percent to play,"

Schreuder said.

"I only want to have players in the selection who are 100 percent with Ajax. I am very clear about that. That is the most important thing for me."

United is prepared to walk away from a deal if the numbers are too high and remain interested in PSV's

and Chelsea's Christian Pulisic. Pulisic will be on the bench for

.

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