While much of the excitement at Manchester United this summer has been about incomings like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and the soon-to-arrive Benjamin Sesko, outgoings remain equally vital to the club’s rebuild.
The recent loan exit of Marcus Rashford to Barcelona has helped ease the wage bill and shifted some of the pressure on hierarchy at United.
However, more departures are expected and needed, in order to free up funds and avoid handing Ruben Amorim a bloated squad for the new season.
Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are both still on United’s books, with United hopeful of securing permanent solutions for both.
Chelsea remain strongly interested in Garnacho, with contact continuing between both parties.
Another name whose future lies away from Old Trafford is Antony, who regained some form after a short-term loan to Real Betis in January.
The Brazilian netted nine times during his spell in Spain, leading Betis to the Conference League final and becoming a fan favourite in the process.
According to CNN Portugal, Benfica have now made two approaches to sign the United forward.
The Lisbon giants are said to be exploring both a loan move and a permanent deal, with United reportedly valuing Antony at €50million (£43.3m).
Journalist Bruno Andrade confirmed the approaches, adding that Antony is available this summer and no longer part of Ruben Amorim’s plans.
Despite Betis wanting to keep him, a deal has not yet materialised.
Benfica appear ready to pounce as they gear up to challenge for the Primeira Liga title following Sporting CP’s sale of Viktor Gyokeres.
Antony hasn’t featured at all in pre-season and is believed to be considered physically unsuitable for Amorim’s style.
With his contract running until 2027, a loan move to Portugal could provide the 25-year-old with much-needed continuity – and a fresh start outside England.
