Real Betis director confirms final Antony transfer decision

Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo has confirmed the club will do "everything possible" to keep hold of Manchester United loanee Antony beyond this season.

Antony's bid to reignite his career in Spain has been a roaring success, racking up four goals and four assists in 13 games as part of a loan deal which does not include the option for a permanent transfer.

As it stands, Antony is due to return to United this summer, but Betis executive Ramon Alarcon previously revealed a conversation with the Brazilian in which he voiced a desire to remain with the club.

It has been suggested that Betis will only be able to retain Antony beyond this season if they qualify for the Champions League, but even if they miss out on a spot in the lucrative competition, Fajardo insists Betis will not rest until they have exhausted all their options to keep hold of Antony.

"It's still early, but we'll try in different ways to do everything possible to continue enjoying Antony," he told Movistar.

It was reported last month that Betis had already opened talks with United about extending his loan into next year, but the Red Devils are looking for a permanent transfer commitment which, as it stands, is beyond Betis' reach.

That prompted teammate Isco to playfully call for a crowdfunding operation to raise the money needed to retain Antony - something for which defender Marc Bartra has since pledged his support.

"Among my teammates, we're willing to do whatever's best for the team, let's go," Bartra said in response to a fundraising mission. "Antony's doing very well, and Betis has been giving him incredible affection and love from day one."

Antony, for his part, has remained non-committal when discussing his future, aware that he could still return to United this summer.

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