Chelsea, Everton and West Ham biggest names to compete in EFL trophy

The competition that was solely for League One and Two clubs until last season, has invited 16 category one academies from the Premier League and the Championship to compete, in order to give young players competetive experience. 

However, 10 Premier League academies have rejected the offer to compete in the competition. 

Everton, Stoke City, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Leicester, Swansea, Chelsea, West Ham, Southampton and West Brom are the only Premier League sides with category one academies to accept the invitation to play in the competition. 

Wolves, Blackburn, Derby, Reading, Norwich and Brighton are the Championship clubs with category one academies to accept the invitation. 

Among the big names who rejected the chance to play in the new competition are; Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.