Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned down the English Football League's invitation to take part in this season's controversial EFL Trophy competition, as support for the re-formatted tournament continues to wane.
The new-look tournament which replaces the Johnstone's Paint Trophy was expected to see sixteen Category One Academy sides take part, however, United and Spurs have decided that they will instead focus their attention on the Academy League and the U21 Premier League International Cup.
The sixteen clubs with Category One Academies invited to play were: Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle United, Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland, Swansea City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United.
It is understood that Everton and Stoke City have already confirmed their participation, while Liverpool and Manchester City have reservations over joining the competition.