Manchester United could propose a swap deal with Real Sociedad that would see Takefusa Kubo move to Old Trafford in exchange for Antony.
That’s according to AS, who cover Manchester United’s interest in the Japanese star today and the bold idea that may be developing.
Reports yesterday again linked Manchester United with a move for Kubo, indicating that they could offer him seven times his current salary to make the move to England next summer.
AS now follow that up and explain that while Real Madrid have a preferential right when it comes to a transfer, after selling him to Real Sociedad under those terms, the ‘option of Manchester United arises’ ahead of next summer.
Unfortunately for them, Real Sociedad and chiefly president Jokin Aperribay would not accept such an operation ‘under any circumstances’.
Why that is the case isn’t made clear, but it seems they feel it simply wouldn’t be value for money, despite Antony costing €100m last summer and Kubo’s current release clause being €60m, half of which La Real would lose if Real Madrid buy him anyway.
There’s also a problem on the player side, at least for Manchester United, who would need to work hard to convince him despite being able to offer a significant wage increase.
AS say Kubo is happy where he is and has no intention of leaving as he feels happy in Donostia and has a good understanding with manager Imanol Alguacil.
Manchester United are willing to put €50m on the table either way, although whether that would be €50m and Antony isn’t made clear by the newspaper who just throw the figure in at the end as something of an afterthought.
Whatever way they approach it seemingly won’t work, though, as Sociedad aren’t keen, and neither is Kubo.
