Transfer centre: United seal Antony signing, City complete Akanji deal, Liverpool close in on Arthur Melo

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo is understood to be on his way to Liverpool for talks. 

OLD FRIENDS: New Manchester United signing Antony is greeted by Manchester United Head Coach / Manager Erik ten Hag. Getty Images)

Manchester United have already set the tone for what is likely to be a record-breaking Transfer Deadline Day by spending 95m Euros on striker Antony from Ajax, plus up to 5m more in add-ons and incentives.

The deal is the fourth biggest ever in the Premier League and the highest fee paid on deadline day. So, that sets quite a bar for their rivals as countdown begins to the 11pm cut-off.

Chelsea, who spent 290m Euros even before deadline day arrived, are the most likely to take up the cudgels, desperate to boost their squad following a disappointing start to the season which has included away defeats at Leeds and Southampton.

But reports suggest they have given up on a move for Rafael Leao at AC Milan after the price reached an eye-watering 150m Euros and are focusing instead on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona.

United, meanwhile, can sit back knowing their work is done – despite all the headlines that went with failed attempts to bring the likes of Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford.

Antony, who was always a top target, has been given a contract until 2027 with the option of an additional year – and the 22-year-old didn’t hide his delight.

He Tweeted: “It's days like this that make us understand that it was all worth it, that every dream was never in vain!! Today I arrive at the biggest club in England, one of the biggest in the world and I just have to thank everyone who was part of this journey!

“My family, my friends, my staff and every United fan, who filled my social media with messages!! It was your call that brought me here!! Let’s get it started!!” United later released official quotes from the player who already knows United coach Erik ten Hag well.

He added: “Playing under Erik ten Hag at Ajax was perfect for me and my development. His style of football and coaching brings out the best in me, and I am excited by what he has told me about his plans and ambitions in Manchester.” 

RED DEVIL: Man Utd's new signing, Antony

Manchester United's football director John Murtough enjoyed the moment, too, saying: “Antony is one of the most exciting young talents in European football and has exactly the right profile for the attacking, dynamic team Erik [ten Hag] is building.

“We have been especially impressed by his desire to join Manchester United and to be part of a long-term project to get the club back to the levels of performance we all expect.” The baton has now been passed to United’s rivals, but it would be a surprise if Antony’s fee was beaten.

Chelsea look the most active, working hard to secure a 7.5m move for Aubameyang in a deal which would also see left-back Marcos Alonso moving to the Camp Nou.

Manchester City, as usual, did their major work in the market a long time ago, shunning last-minute shenanigans.

But they did announce the arrival of experienced centre-back Manuel Akanji, 27, from Borussia Dortmund for 17m Euros on a five-year deal.

Manchester City's director of Football Txiki Begiristain: “Manuel has plenty of experience playing at the top level of European football and we are confident he will be a valuable addition to our squad.

“He has everything we want in a centre-back. He is strong, quick, comfortable in possession, has an excellent passing range and he will complement the other defenders in this team and our style of play.” Liverpool, like City, wrapped up most of their transfer action long ago but are still in the market for a midfielder to cover for current injuries.

Arthur Melo, the Juventus midfielder, is the man they have chosen. He has already arrived in England for a medical and will sign on loan.

Other clubs to look out for as the day progresses include Arsenal, who want one more midfielder to complete their squad. Douglas Luiz at Aston Villa is a contender. They have allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to move to Southampton on loan in preparation.

Everton, Leeds (who want Marseille striker Bamba Dieng) Fulham, Aston Villa (who are chasing Leander Dendoncker from Wolves) and West Ham are also in the market whilst Leicester, the only club not to have signed anyone, have money to spend after Wesley Fofana went to Stamford Bridge. 

There could still be many twists and turns to come.