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Liverpool are likely to turn down the opportunity to play in the revamped EFL Trophy.

The ECHO understands that while no final decision has been made the Reds have not yet received reassurances on several questions they had asked of the Football League in relation to the new format.

Details of those who have been invited to take part in the competition - which replaces the Johnstone Paint Trophy – were announced today.

A total of 16 teams with Category One Academies including the Reds have been invited to play in the competition, all from the Premier League apart from Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United.

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The idea is that younger players primarily from the Academies would gain invaluable experience playing against senior teams in a proper competiiton. All of the invited clubs must ensure that at least six of their starting 11 are under the age of 21 as of June 30 this year.

The format is 64 clubs split across 16 regionalised groups of four with games beginning in August. Each group will include one of the invited clubs plus at least one club from both League One and League Two - with the top two sides qualifying for the knockout stages.

The three-game group stage involves a new points format includes three points for a win, one for a draw and an additional point available in games that finish level with penalty shoot-outs to take place.

The knockout stages (round of 32) will remain regionalised before the draw for the competition opens up thereafter. Wembley will once again host the final on April 2.

Any decision by Liverpool not to take part will be taken reluctantly as the new competition ties in relatively well with Jurgen Klopp’s desire to keep his best young players at Anfield and further their progression here rather than have to go out on loan.

It is understood one of several sticking points is around the availability of Anfield with invited teams like Liverpool having to guarantee a home fixture at their home ground.

The 16 clubs invited to take part in the EFL Trophy are : 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.