Man Utd unlock next deal after Bryan Mbeumo as '£26m transfer agreed'

Real Betis are on the verge of unlocking a permanent deal for Manchester United winger Antony as they prepare to cash in on Johnny Cardoso, according to reports. The La Liga club and Antony mutually want to reunite next season, and they look set to receive a budget boost imminently from rivals Atletico Madrid.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Atletico and Betis have reached an agreement worth £26million for Cardoso. The 23-year-old midfielder is said to have accepted a five-year contract proposal at the start of June ahead of sealing a move to Madrid. Once the final details are settled, Betis will pocket much-needed resources in their aspirations to sign Antony.

The Seville outfit's finances are thought to be a significant stumbling block in their desire to bring Antony back on a permanent basis.

They were reportedly eyeing another loan agreement, but United want to cash in on the 25-year-old winger while his stocks are high.

Antony reignited his career in Spain in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 26 appearances for Betis.

He conjured up just three fewer goal contributions than he produced in 96 games for United since joining in an £86m switch from Ajax in 2022.

The Red Devils need his transfer fee to fund the final instalment of Ruben Amorim's attacking shake-up in his first summer transfer window at the helm.

Amorim has already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks, sealing a £62.5m transfer from Wolves after a stand-out Premier League campaign.

Another of the English top flight's big hitters looks set to follow the Brazilian to Old Trafford before pre-season begins on July 7.

United are closing in on the signing of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, who scored 20 goals in the Premier League last term.

Brentford rejected an initial bid worth £45m plus £10m in add-ons, but United have submitted a second offer that surpasses the Bees' £60m valuation.

Amorim reportedly also wants a striker to round off a new-look front three after Rasmus Hojlund managed just four league goals last season.

Antony is among the players United want to sell to fund such a move, alongside Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho.

It's claimed the M16 giants are willing to accept a huge loss on Antony and could accept a bid in the region of £25m.

It is now up to Betis whether they commit the cash generated from Cardoso's departure to facilitate his return.