Real Betis make unspoken gesture for Antony as La Liga club continue to play waiting game for Man Utd outcast

No player currently occupies Real Betis' No.7 shirt, the jersey Antony wore with much success during his loan from United in the second half of last season. MARCA notes that will remain the case, with none of the current first-team squad going to switch to that number. Equally, Betis still have a non-EU spot that isn't filled, which would allow Antony to easily return if a transfer can be agreed.

La Liga caps the number of players from outside the European Union that a team can include in a matchday squad at three, so ensuring that there is still space for Antony is important. Equally, leaving his shirt number free is a gesture that will make the player feel wanted. Betis haven't shied away from their desire to bring him back after 14 combined goals and assists in 26 appearances from January to May last season, but the finances are difficult. Sporting director Manu Fajardo has admitted the club "can't do anything crazy" to land a player valued at £40 million ($54m).

Antony is so set on another spell with Betis that has reportedly rebuffed interest from elsewhere in order to wait for Los Verdiblancos, including Portuguese giants Benfica and options in the wealthy Saudi Pro League.

With no role at United, having been left out of every pre-season game and training separately, Antony is running out of time to secure his move away - La Liga's transfer deadline is September 1. In Saudi Arabia, the window closes on September 23, so there is more time if no deal with Betis materialises.