Real Betis has confirmed that the club has pulled out of the Antony transfer from Manchester United.
The club recently revealed that the deal will remain off unless MUFC shells out an exit fee or the player lowers his salary demands.
At Old Trafford, the Red Devils believe Betis’ withdrawal is merely a negotiating ploy designed to force Antony to compromise on his personal terms.
Manchester United remain convinced that the Spanish side still want him and are waiting for the winger to accept a severance package from United that would reduce the overall cost of the deal.
According to Betis, the deal collapsed because they could not afford both the transfer fee and the cost MUFC must pay the Brazilian to aid his exit.
“There is no agreement and we have withdrawn the transfer offer because Real Betis can’t afford the transfer fee and the amounts that Manchester United must [instead] pay the player before the transfer,” it read.
Since his £85m ($114m) arrival from Ajax, Antony has endured a torrid time at Old Trafford.
While he lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup, his personal contribution has been underwhelming.
In 96 games for United, the winger has found the net only 12 times and provided nine assists, a return far short of the hefty price tag that once made him one of Europe’s most expensive players.
