Real Betis still hopeful of agreeing Antony deal

Real Betis returned for pre-season training on Wednesday - but there has still been no breakthrough in their efforts to sign Antony from Manchester United.

The winger remains in Brazil after being told by United he will not be part of first-team training sessions with the Old Trafford club.

United say Antony has told them he wants to leave and he has opted to remain in South America until his future is sorted out.

Betis want the £81.3m wideman, who remains the second most expensive player in United's history - back after his successful loan spell over the second half of last season. However, they have a budget they are refusing to shift on and negotiations with United continue.

Antony scored nine goals and claimed five assists as Betis qualified for this season's Europa League and reached the Conference League final, where they were beaten by Chelsea.

He is one of five players United are looking to get rid of, knowing any finance generated can be ploughed back into Ruben Amorim's squad.