Manchester United target Antony has begged Ajax to sell him following reports they rejected a £76million (€90m) offer from the Premier League club.

Brazil international Antony was a key player under new United boss Erik ten Hag during his time in Amsterdam and has been continuously linked with a move to Old Trafford since April.

Ten Hag has not been shy about his desire to bolster United's attack, and Antony has seemingly been near the top of his list for a while.

The links with United cooled after the Red Devils signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax, with that financial boost appearing to strengthen the Amsterdam club's negotiating position.

But in the wake of United losing their first two games of the Premier League season, reports of further bids have surfaced and on Friday there was widespread speculation suggesting Ajax rejected a huge £76m offer for Antony.

The shock of seeing such an amount turned down has forced Antony to go public with his frustration.

He told Fabrizio Romano: "Since February of this year, my agents came to Amsterdam to inform Ajax of my desire to leave the club to face a new challenge and that some interested clubs would arrive and with them certainly a great offer.

"In June of this year, I interrupted my vacation and came personally to inform the managers of Ajax, including the new coach, about my wish to leave and that they should consider this possibility, because when I started in Amsterdam it was a project for two seasons.

"During the window months, meetings continued and I also received a proposal from Ajax for contract renewal. I made it clear once again: I want to leave the club.

"Today, in a meeting with the club, I expressed my old interest in leaving the club, only this time with a considerable offer on the table. Others had already arrived. Ajax always refused and hindered by exit with the argument that they only have five days to replace me.

"I'm not asking Ajax to release me, I'm asking Ajax to sell me with the highest bid ever for a player in the Eredivisie. I've been insisting on this theme since February so that the club could rebuild the team with peace of mind.

"I was very happy in Amsterdam, I won titles at Ajax, made friends and built part of my career, but now I reinforce that I am ready and full of motivation to follow my story and my dreams.

"People need to listen to me and understand that my motivation moves me towards happiness. I need this to continue performing at a high level. Ajax will always be in my heart.

"I hope Ajax fans understand me because the future for a football player is a totally uncertain thing and the opportunities can be unique.

"My message is one of gratitude for Ajax, club and fans."

Erik ten Hag's first experience of European football as manager of Manchester United will see the Red Devils face off with the likes of Real Sociedad and Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League group stage.

Ten Hag enjoyed a successful spell as Ajax boss before making the move to Old Trafford, perhaps best exemplified in the 2018-19 campaign where he led the Dutch side to their first Champions League semi-final since 1997.

They should have gone on to the final that year too, but let a 3-0 aggregate lead slip at home to Tottenham as a 96th minute Lucas Moura goal to complete his second-half hat-trick won the tie for the Londoners on away goals, breaking Ajax hearts.

Ten Hag will therefore be desperate for a good showing in Europe this season to dispel those demons, though United have not been without their own continental misery in recent years, losing on penalties in the 2020-21 Europa League final against Villarreal.

To advance to the knockout stages of this season's edition of Europe's second competition, United will first have to overcome a group that looks anything but easy. 

Sheriff beat eventual winners Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in last season's Champions League before ultimately being knocked out, while Sociedad made the knockout stages of this competition.

United will therefore have to ensure they pick up maximum points against the other team in the group, Cypriot side Omonoia.

Arsenal are another of the favourites for this season's tournament, having reached at least the semi-finals in three of their last four Europa League campaigns.

Their trickiest group-stage game looks to be against PSV, who won this competition in 1977-78, though the Gunners will fancy their chances of advancing with Bodo/Glimt and Zurich the other two sides in Group A.

Manager Mikel Arteta's side sit top of the Premier League having won their opening three matches, and the Spaniard will hope that his players can keep up their impressive domestic start while also advancing deep into the Europa League.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants his players to maintain "a high standard" on the back of their morale-boosting victory over Liverpool.

Ten Hag earned his first three points as United boss on Monday with a brilliant 2-1 victory over rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, following a poor start to the season that saw them lose their opening two matches.

The Dutchman's team will now make the trip to England's south coast as they look to follow up Monday's victory with another three points on the road at Southampton.

To achieve that, though, United will have to end a run of seven consecutive away league defeats stretching back to last season, against a team who were victorious away at Leicester City last weekend.

And Ten Hag has commanded that his players keep the same energy that saw them beat last season's Premier League runners-up.

"We need to have a high standard. It's a demand to the group," Ten Hag told reporters.

"Now they see what the reward is, so we have to match the runs in and out of possession. We need runs and movement if you want to dictate a game.

"The spirit was already good but now it is even better [following Monday's win]. But it's only one game so we have to build further, we have to develop and I think everyone is aware of that."

New signing Casemiro could make his debut for the Red Devils on Saturday after arriving from Real Madrid, but Ten Hag revealed that forward Anthony Martial is unavailable.

"You will see tomorrow [in terms of changes]. Casemiro is fit and he did all the training sessions," Ten Hag added.

"Anthony Martial is not fit. He came out with a problem with his Achilles. I cannot tell a prognosis, how long it takes. I hope he will be available for the next game."

United have been closely linked with Ajax forward Antony in recent days, and Ten Hag did not rule out more arrivals before the transfer window ends.

The former Ajax coach said: "We need players but we need the right players. The whole transfer window, we are happy with what we did until now, but the bar has to be high."

Manchester United will face LaLiga opposition in the Europa League group stage after being drawn to face a Real Sociedad team who have David Silva in their ranks.

Silva is a Manchester City favourite who won four Premier League titles in a 10-year spell at the Etihad Stadium before returning to his native Spain two years ago.

Sociedad finished sixth in LaLiga last season, with United also sixth in the Premier League.

The teams are no strangers to each other, having met in the Europa League last-32 stage in February 2021, when a 4-0 win in Spain paved the way for United to win by that score on aggregate. Silva did not play in the goalless second leg at Old Trafford, with the tie effectively already lost.

United, who won the Europa League in 2017 and went on to be runners-up in 2021, must also tackle Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol and Cypriot team Omonoia in Group E.

The Sheriff clash will be United's first competitive game against a side from Moldova.

Former United boss Jose Mourinho, who engineered the Red Devils' 2017 trophy success, returns to the Europa League with Roma, last season's Europa Conference League champions. The Italian side will face Ludogorets, Real Betis and HJK Helsinki in the group stage.

Arsenal and PSV, led from the touchline by Mikel Arteta and Ruud van Nistelrooy respectively, are the star attractions in Group A, which also features Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich.

Dynamo Kyiv, from war-torn Ukraine, will play Rennes, Fenerbahce and Larnaca in Group B.

The group stage begins on September 8 and wraps up on November 3, before the World Cup gets under way, with the final to be played on May 31 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Draw in full:

Group A: Arsenal, PSV, Bodo/Glimt, Zurich

Group B: Dynamo Kyiv, Rennes, Fenerbahce, Larnaca

Group C: Roma, Ludogorets, Real Betis, HJK Helsinki

Group D: Braga, Malmo, Union Berlin, Union Saint-Gilloise

Group E: Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol, Omonoia

Group F: Lazio, Feyenoord, Midtjylland, Sturm Graz

Group G: Olympiacos, Qarabag, Freiburg, Nantes

Group H: Red Star Belgrade, Monaco, Ferencvaros, Trabzonspor

Manchester United will face LaLiga opposition and a pair of relative minnows in the Europa League, after being drawn in Group E alongside Real Sociedad, Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonoia.

Arsenal have reached at least the semi-finals in three of their last four Europa League campaigns and will go up against Dutch outfit PSV in Group A as they look to go further and lift the trophy.

Last season's Europa Conference League champions Roma, led by head coach Jose Mourinho, will face off against Ludogorets, Real Betis and HJK Helsinki in Group C.

It was Feyenoord that Mourinho's team beat in the final to win the inaugural Conference League, and Friday's Europa League draw saw the Dutch side included in Group F alongside Roma's fierce rivals Lazio.

Last season's quarter-finalists Braga will look to go deep in this competition once again but will have to battle Malmo, Union Berlin and Union Saint-Gilloise first to reach the knockout stages.

Dynamo Kyiv, meanwhile, were drawn against Fenerbahce, Rennes and Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.

Manchester United new boy Casemiro hopes Cristiano Ronaldo stays at Old Trafford as the Portuguese forward continues to be linked with a move away.

Casemiro was reunited with former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo when he completed a £60million (€70m) move to Old Trafford on Monday.

The Brazilian could make his United debut on Saturday when the Red Devils travel to Southampton in the Premier League.

Enforcer Casemiro is the fourth major arrival at United during the transfer window, but manager Erik ten Hag's first few months at the helm have been characterised by constant speculation regarding Ronaldo's future.

Ronaldo reportedly declared his intention to leave United after they missed out on Champions League qualification last season, but many potential suitors – including Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid – have since ruled out signing the striker, who found the net 24 times in all competitions last term.

Ronaldo's future remains unclear with less than a week remaining in the transfer window, and he was dropped to the bench for United's 2-1 win over Liverpool on Monday – their first victory of the campaign.

Casemiro, however, is convinced of Ronaldo's continued importance, telling ESPN in Brazil: "The illusion of being able to play with him again ... he knows the respect I have for him.

"I hope he stays, because he is a player who gives you leadership, gives you many goals, is a winner and is very important to us.

"As we speak Portuguese too, we got closer. He was a guy who from the first day I arrived here, helped me a lot, gave me advice, is helping me a lot.

"He is a great player, one of the best of all time."

Having posted their lowest points tally (58) and worst defensive record (57 goals conceded) in their Premier League history last term, United will be featuring in the Europa League this season.

Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner, is desperate to help United back into Europe's premier club competition, but he revealed the opportunity to play for one of the Premier League's biggest clubs was just as important in his considerations as he weighed up a move to United.

"I want to learn, United have always been very affectionate, from the first day, they made me feel comfortable," Casemiro said. "The coach was very attentive, charismatic from day one. They always showed interest. This is very important.

"The Champions League, of course, I want to win, if we don't play [in it], I'll be sad. I want to be there, even for the greatness of the club. But that happens with work and dedication.

"But the club has always shown a lot of affection, as well as Real. The feeling of being in a big club and being able to play in a big league like the Premier League, is very good and very important."

Manchester United have been offered the chance to add some more talent from Real Madrid, with Marco Asensio reportedly being put on the table.

The two teams recently agreed to a deal that sent Casemiro to Old Trafford, and their discussions must not have finished with the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, with 26-year-old Asensio also being made available.

Asensio is coming off a season where he netted 10 goals in 31 LaLiga appearances, but has found himself relegated to a bench role this campaign, playing a total of seven minutes from Madrid's first two league fixtures.

TOP STORY – UNITED LOOK TO MADRID FOR FURTHER REINFORCEMENTS

According to the Telegraph, United have been told Asensio will cost €30million, and Arsenal are also interested in the Spain international as he searches for playing time ahead of the World Cup.

However, further reporting from ESPN claims United will not pull the trigger on any move for Asensio until they figure out if Ajax winger Antony is attainable, with that move being their priority, and a price tag said to be in the range of €100m.

Ajax have been firm on their desire to retain the services of their 22-year-old Brazilian up until this point, and if they remain that way, Asensio would be a more-than-adequate contingency plan – if he wants to go there.

ROUND-UP

– The Times reports that Paris Saint-Germain had a £59m bid for Bernardo Silva turned down by Manchester City.

– According to AS Roma Live, Jose Mourinho views Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga as a potential replacement at Roma for the injured Georginio Wijnaldum.

– Cristiano Ronaldo's agent has reportedly made contact with Napoli, who would only be able to bring in the 37-year-old if they part ways with promising young striker Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

– Foot Mercato is reporting Nottingham Forest have secured yet another signing, with former Villarreal full-back Serge Aurier agreeing to terms on a free transfer.

– According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United have moved on from their chase of Watford forward Joao Pedro, and are now hoping to bring in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan.

Manchester United have been offered the chance to add some more talent from Real Madrid, with Marco Asensio reportedly being put on the table.

The two teams recently agreed to a deal that sent Casemiro to Old Trafford, and their discussions must not have finished with the 30-year-old defensive midfielder, with 26-year-old Asensio also being made available.

Asensio is coming off a season where he netted 10 goals in 31 LaLiga appearances, but has found himself relegated to a bench role this campaign, playing a total of seven minutes from Madrid's first two league fixtures.

TOP STORY – UNITED LOOK TO MADRID FOR FURTHER REINFORCEMENTS

According to the Telegraph, United have been told Asensio will cost €30million, and Arsenal are also interested in the Spanish international as he searches for playing time ahead of the World Cup.

However, further reporting from ESPN claims United will not pull the trigger on any move for Asensio until they figure out if Ajax winger Antony is attainable, with that move being their priority, and a price tag said to be in the range of €100m.

Ajax have been firm on their desire to retain the services of their 22-year-old Brazilian up until this point, and if they remain that way, Asensio would be a more-than-adequate contingency plan – if he wants to go there.

ROUND-UP

– The Times is reporting Paris Saint-Germain had a £59m bid for Bernardo Silva turned down by Manchester City.

– According to AS Roma Live, Jose Mourinho views Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga as a potential replacement at Roma for Georginio Wijnaldum.

– Cristiano Ronaldo's agent has reportedly made contact with Napoli, who would only be able to bring in the 37-year-old if they part ways with promising young striker Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.

– Foot Mercato is reporting Nottingham Forest have secured yet another signing, with former Villarreal fullback Serge Aurier agreeing to terms on a free transfer.

– According to the Telegraph, Newcastle United have moved on from their chase of Watford forward Joao Pedro, and are now hoping to bring in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan.

The draw for the group stages of the 2022-23 Champions League has thrown up major talking points with Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland set for reunions with their former employers.

Lewandowski's Barcelona will face Bayern Munich, while Haaland returns to Borussia Dortmund now donning the shirt of Manchester City.

Having scored 344 goals for Bayern, with whom he won eight consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League in 2019-20, the German giants will be fearful of the threat Lewandowski will pose.

Players coming toe-to-toe with their former clubs is nothing new and Stats Perform has selected five memorable occasions from years gone by.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Having left Manchester United in 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo faced off against the Red Devils for the first time in the first knockout round of the 2012-13 Champions League, scoring in both legs.

Five years later, in the 2018-19 group stages of the competition, Ronaldo this time played against United for Juventus, scoring in a 2-1 defeat in Turin.

During his illustrious career, Ronaldo also went up against Sporting CP, the club where he started his career, scoring three goals in four matches.

Luis Figo

Luis Figo's controversial move from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 is now the focus of a Netflix documentary and, to this day, still stands as one of the most shocking transfers in football history.

Two years later, in November 2002, Figo returned to Camp Nou for the second time and received a fiery reception from the home supporters, who threw numerous objects towards the Portuguese star. Most notable was a pig's head.

Figo spent five years in the Spanish capital, winning LaLiga twice and the Champions League in 2001-02.

Robin van Persie 

Signed as a youngster by Arsenal, Robin van Persie grew to become one of the greatest players in the Arsene Wenger era and captained the side from 2011 after Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona.

A move to Manchester United came just a year later, however, with the Dutch striker going on to score home and away against the Gunners, celebrating at Old Trafford after abuse from the visiting fans.

The biggest pain he inflicted on Arsenal came in the Premier League. United won the title following his signing, with the Arsenal squad giving them a guard of honour at the end of the campaign.

James Rodriguez

Signed by Real Madrid after starring at the 2014 World Cup, the Colombian's stint in the Spanish capital was not as he would have hoped. He became an expendable asset, which saw him sent to Bayern Munich for two years in 2017.

In the semi-finals of the 2017-18 Champions League, the loanee faced his parent club and scored in a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, with there being no clause preventing him from featuring in the game.

Bayern lost 4-3 on aggregate, however, with Madrid going on to win the title that season.

Robert Lewandowski

Facing familiar opposition is nothing new for Lewandowski, who had to do it time and time again during his spell with Bayern Munich.

The Poland international was devastating against Borussia Dortmund for Bayern, scoring 27 goals in 26 games. That included two hat-tricks in the Bundesliga, one of which came in a 6-0 demolition in the 2017-18 season.

Borussia Dortmund do not want to sell Thomas Meunier before the transfer window closes, sporting director Sebastian Kehl has stressed.

The Belgium international has reportedly become frustrated with a lack of opportunities under Edin Terzic, and he was said to have expressed a wish to leave following Dortmund's 3-2 weekend defeat to Werder Bremen – where they capitulated after leading 2-0 heading into the closing stages.

Meunier denied that was the case, but suggestions of a potential swap with Barcelona involving Sergino Dest quickly emerged, while Manchester United have also been credited with a possible interest in the former Paris Saint-Germain defender.

Speaking ahead of Dortmund's Bundesliga clash against Hertha Berlin, however, Kehl played down the chance of Meunier leaving ahead of next week's transfer deadline.

"The transfer window is still open until next week, but we have no intention of selling Thomas Meunier," Kehl said.

"There will be another wild ride from Monday onwards. But I refer that overall to the market. Currently it is absolutely not our plan to sell him."

Kehl also addressed early criticism directed at new signing Anthony Modeste, asking for the forward to be given more time to settle.

"Tony Modeste has been with Borussia Dortmund for a fortnight. It's a change for him," Kehl said.

"In the end, he will be measured by goals, we know that. But I would ask for a little patience and that he not be dubbed a 'flop transfer'."

Casemiro declared he is "raring to go" after completing his £60million (€70m) move to Manchester United, while describing the Premier League as "a dream to play in".

The Brazil enforcer became United's fourth major signing of the transfer window on Monday, following Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford after ending a nine-year spell with Real Madrid.

The five-time Champions League winner was in the stands to watch United pick up their first win of the season against Liverpool, as Erik ten Hag's side inflicted the Reds' first league defeat of 2022.

Casemiro could hardly contain his excitement when speaking to the club's media channels for the first time since his arrival.

"I felt great affection from the moment I arrived and I think it's a new challenge. I'm absolutely delighted," Casemiro said. "I feel like I'm 20 or 18 years of age! I'm raring to go.

"I feel it’s a great challenge and a new challenge for me, so I want to work hard to make it happen. 

"I played in a competition here when I was 15 at Sao Paulo. You come back here to play for Manchester United and not in your wildest dreams would you imagine yourself playing here. I'm the happiest man alive and I can't wait to get on the pitch and help my team-mates.

"The Premier League is a dream to play in. It's a wonderful league. The respect that fans have for players, the players have for fans, the passion of the clubs… when you go from the airport to the city, you feel that the city has football in the air.

"More than a city, I feel it's a footballing nation. I think English football is very physical and without doubt, it's very tough, but what I like most about the players, referees, fans in this country is that they are fair. Everyone is fair. 

"Every game is very tough. All of the teams are equally matched, the top team can lose to the bottom one and that's what the league is like. It's beautiful that it is so competitive."

Casemiro will find several familiar faces in United's squad, chief among them Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane, who both featured alongside the Brazilian in one of the most successful teams in Madrid's history.

The 30-year-old revealed he leaned on Varane for advice before making the move, as he hailed Ronaldo as one of the all-time greats.

"They are two players that I've had the pleasure of playing alongside," he added. "We could spend all day talking about Cristiano, he's one of the best players in the history of football. 

"With Varane, and all his time at Real Madrid, I think we spent seven years together. So it's an honour to play once again with these players, but not just these guys, I'm looking forward to meeting my new team-mates, to helping them and them helping me to.

"I've spoken to Rapha, he tells me he's happy, his family is very happy in Manchester, and I feel Manchester United have a great centre-back in him.

"As we know, Cristiano is up there as one of the best players in the history of football and I think he'll keep achieving things."

Meanwhile, Casemiro will also team up with Brazil international Fred in the Premier League, and he has no doubts over the ability of his fellow Selecao midfielder.

"Well, before coming here I spoke to Fred, he's a friend who I've played alongside in the national team for a good number of games and years," he said.

"He's a great player and that's why he plays for Manchester United and for the Brazilian national team, which is difficult to get into. So, I have a special relationship with him.

"Of course, he's a great player. Fred has a lot of qualities. I think he's a player that has good movement, he's very mobile, passes the ball well, has a good shot on him. He's a very important player at this club and I think he'll help me a great deal as he's Brazilian. Without a doubt, it's important to me."

Having not been registered in time to feature in the win over Liverpool, Casemiro could make his United debut when they visit Southampton on Saturday.

Kevin Trapp has turned down Manchester United's interest to stay at Eintracht Frankfurt.

United have been in search of a goalkeeper to compete with David de Gea, deciding to attempt to sign Trapp from the Europa League holders.

Yet the Germany international has announced his decision to stay with the Bundesliga club.

Writing on social media, Trapp said: "Dear fans, there have been a lot of reports of interest in Manchester United in the past few days.

"It is true that there is a written offer. Manchester United is a world club and the fact that I can deal with and think about such an offer, I hope everyone understands.

"Yesterday, however, I informed the person in charge of both clubs that I had chosen Eintracht. I have experienced unforgettable things here with Frankfurt and we made history together. The start to the season has been bumpy, but I have absolute faith in us."

Eintracht lost 6-1 to Bayern Munich in their opening game of the Bundesliga season before going down 2-0 to Real Madrid in the Super Cup in Helsinki.

Oliver Glasner's team have since managed two draws, against Hertha Berlin and Koln respectively.

Trapp has been one of the best performing goalkeepers in the Bundesliga in recent seasons, and in the 2021-22 campaign topped the charts for the number of goals he prevented, as per Opta's expected goals on target conceded (xGOT) model.

The former Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper prevented 6.1 goals across 32 matches in total, a better figure than any other shot-stopper in the competition to have played 10 times or more. 

In comparison, De Gea's goals prevented tally across 38 league matches last season was 2.8, which ranked second in the Premier League (of goalkeepers to make 10 or more appearances).

United, who are expected to return with another big bid for Ajax winger Antony, have also been linked with Newcastle's Martin Dubravka and Everton's Asmir Begovic.

Luis Diaz does not believe Liverpool's start to the Premier League season has been "problematic", but accepted the stumbling Reds must improve quickly. 

Liverpool have failed to win any of their opening three league games for the first time since Brendan Rodgers' first season at the helm in 2012-13, having fallen to a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United on Monday.

Goals from Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford dealt the Reds their first Premier League loss of 2022, which followed back-to-back draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Liverpool have now conceded the opening goal in seven successive Premier League games for the first time in their history, while a number of injuries to key players have led to calls for Jurgen Klopp to dip into the transfer market.

While Diaz recognises the need for rapid improvements, he was keen to avoid overstating Liverpool's troubles when speaking to Sky Sports.

"It's been a bit of a difficult start," he said. "It's not quite the outset we wanted for the season. We're a club that goes out to win three points from every game we play.

"I wouldn't say it's problematic for the players or for the manager, but certainly we all know we need to do better."

Reflecting on Monday's defeat at Old Trafford, the Colombia winger added: "We were fully aware of what kind of rivalry exists between the clubs and we knew we had a big task ahead of us. It didn't go our way on the day.

"We know now we have to just do our job and train hard, rest hard and look forward to the next game, when we can hopefully accumulate some points and get a proper start to the season."

Liverpool have now lost four games against United in all competitions under Klopp, with each coming against a different Red Devils boss; Louis van Gaal in 2017, Jose Mourinho in 2018, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021 and Erik ten Hag last time out.

Although there were few positives for Liverpool to take from the loss, Mohamed Salah's late consolation made him Liverpool's all-time top scorer against United with 10 goals, and Diaz described the Egypt star in glowing terms. 

"It's stupendous for me, being able to share my position in the team with Mo," he added. 

"I've seen him over many years on television at so many tournaments and I'd like to say I'm proud of myself, having reached this position where I can share with him these experiences, to wear the same shirt and be a team-mate of his. 

"It's really something special. Every day, playing alongside players like him, it helps you to improve, not just in a footballing sense as a player but also as a person.

"He's a great guy and there's a very special connection between him and me, and between all of us, in fact."

Liverpool welcome Bournemouth to Anfield looking for their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday.

Manchester United are set to be busy in the final week of the transfer window and are closing in on a huge signing.

Erik ten Hag wants to bring in Antony from his former club Ajax, and the Brazil winger is keen to be reunited with his former coach.

United made a dismal start to the season by losing their opening two games, but bounced back by beating Liverpool on Monday, and are aiming to make another splash in the transfer market after signing Casemiro from Real Madrid.

TOP STORY – ANTONY TRYING TO FORCE UNITED MOVE

Antony is attempting to force through a move to United by handing in a transfer request at Ajax.

That is according to The Mirror, while The Telegraph have claimed the 22-year-old's representatives are now basing themselves in London in order to push through a deal.

Ajax are reluctant to sell and this week turned down a £67.6million (€80m) bid from United, who are expected to up their offer. The Dutch club are said to want a fee of £84m (€100m), but Antony is trying to force their hand.

ROUND-UP

- The Athletic report that Dele Alli is on the brink of joining Besiktas on loan from Everton. The England international is in Istanbul to complete the move.

- Sky Sports Germany are claiming Chelsea will turn their focus to Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba if they cannot sign Leicester City's Wesley Fofana.

- Newcastle United are set to break their transfer record by signing Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for £60m (€71.1m), according to widespread reports.

- David Moyes confirmed West Ham had bid for Lucas Paqueta, but that approach has been turned down by Lyon, according to L'Equipe.

- BILD reporter Christian Falk has claimed Manchester United will decide whether or not to push ahead with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp on Thursday.

- According to Fabrizio Romano, Marseille are not considering a move for Cristiano Ronaldo, who may be allowed to leave Old Trafford.

- Romano also reports that Marseille forward Arkadiusz Milik is joining Juventus.

The EFL Cup third round will see Premier League champions Manchester City host Chelsea while holders Liverpool will play League One Derby County at Anfield.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United are set to welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford and there is another enticing all-Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.

Brighton and Hove Albion will travel to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal as one of the seven games to feature two top-flight teams facing each other.

League Two Crawley knocked out Premier League Fulham on Tuesday, and they are rewarded with a visit to Championship outfit Burnley.

Meanwhile, last season's Europa League semi-finalists West Ham United will face second-tier Blackburn Rovers.

EFL Cup third-round draw in full:

Stevenage v Charlton, Leicester City v Newport County, West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers, Wolves v Leeds United, Nottingham Forest v Tottenham, Manchester United v Aston Villa, Bournemouth v Everton, Liverpool v Derby County, Burnley v Crawley Town, Bristol City v Lincoln City, Manchester City v Chelsea, MK Dons v Morecambe, Newcastle United v Crystal Palace, Southampton v Sheffield Wednesday, Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford v Gillingham.

Ties will be played week commencing November 7.