Antony to leave Man Utd? Manuel Pellegrini makes feelings clear over possible Real Betis transfer

Antony spent the second half of last season on loan at Betis, and ever since then, he has sought to join them permanently. But with United and Betis at odds over a transfer fee, a La Liga switch has not been forthcoming. But manager Pellegrini would certainly like the 25-year-old to join them for this season.

He told reporters, via Estadio Deportivo: "I haven’t spoken to Antony. We all know he was very happy during the six-month period he was with us. We want him back, he certainly wants to come back, but it depends on what the transfer holder, which is Manchester United, wants to do with him."

Antony still has two years left on his United contract, with the Red Devils desperate to get a sizeable fee from their original £82 million ($105m) purchase. The Brazilian is hoping the Red Devils will loosen their transfer stance on him just before the transfer window shuts on September 1 but there is no guarantee he will join the Spanish side.

Antony, who is currently training away from the United first-team squad, is a coveted player after scoring nine goals and adding five assists in 26 appearances for Betis earlier this year. But his next move remains uncertain.