Real Betis sporting director Manu Fajardo insisted the club are still pursuing a deal for Manchester United winger Antony but said finances could prove an issue.
Antony enjoyed a resurgent spell at Betis during the second half of last season, helping fire the club to the Europa Conference League final and scoring nine goals in 25 appearances.
And the Brazil international is now desperate to return to Spain, repeatedly making it clear he sees his future at Betis.
The 25-year-old has no future under Ruben Amorim back at United, but the Red Devils do not want to loan him out again and are seeking a permenant transfer this summer.
Betis have not spent over £20m on a player in six years, but are set to raise funds through the departure of midfielder Johnny Cardoso, who is close to joining Atletico Madrid.
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Regardless, Fajardo conceded that reaching a deal with United for Antony could still prove difficult, but said they would do everything in their power to bring the winger back to the club this summer.
‘We all have to be aware that this is a very complex operation,’ Fajardo said. ‘Given the player’s level and his recent career at Real Betis, it’s not an easy transaction.
‘But, as long as Antony hasn’t committed to a third party, we, with the utmost humility, will play our cards to be able to opt for Antony.
‘I insist, despite this being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without compromising the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the club.
‘We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today, the market is open, as I said before, it’s very dynamic, and we are part of that game.’
Antony is prepared to take a 30 per cent wage cut to help seal a move away from Old Trafford. The former Ajax star is currently on £150,000-a-week.
But United would still demand a fee in the region of £32.58million to avoid a loss on the player under the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
Asked about Antony’s publically stated desire to return, Farajado added: ‘It doesn’t surprise me (Antony wants to return to Betis).
‘And I’d like to take this opportunity once again to highlight the work that Real Betis does as a whole, across all departments.
‘When a player arrives here and has such an immediate impact, that’s no coincidence. It’s the result of the work, sacrifice, and seriousness of everyone involved on a day-to-day basis.
‘Not only so that Antony can perform and give his best, but so that all the players who join Betis can reach their prime.’
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