Manchester United told to make surprise move for Newcastle United star as £85m deal nears

Manchester United have been told to make a move for Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin.

The 13-time Premier League champions are rapidly closing in on a deal to sign Ajax winger Antony after the two clubs agreed an £80million deal over the weekend.

The Brazil international is expected to complete a move to Old Trafford over the coming days after agreeing an initial five-year deal to reunited with former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

That comes on the back of a recent interview where Antony revealed he informed the Dutch giants of he desire to leave the club earlier this year.

Speaking to journalist Fabrizio Romano, he said: “I’m not asking Ajax to release me, I’m asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for Eredivisie player. I’ve been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.

“I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.

“People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart!”

It now looks as if Antony will get his wish as he becomes Ten Hag’s fifth summer signing - but one former Premier League star believes a move for Magpies star Saint-Maximin would have been a better deal.

Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson told Sky Sports: “If I was Man United I’d take Saint-Maximin over Antony every day of the week.

“What this lad does, I know he doesn’t score a lot of goals and a lot of assists, but boy does he take that ball up the pitch. I think that (a transfer) might come with scoring goals.

“It makes me laugh how people are looking at Antony over Saint-Maximin, don’t get it.”