Premier League clubs have reportedly agreed proposals to use a number of neutral venues so the season can resume next month.
A video meeting was held between the league and the clubs on Friday to discuss ‘Project Restart’.
The Premier League released a statement saying that clubs are committed to completing the 2019/20 season. They also stressed that any return to training and match action would only happen if the government gave the go-ahead.
The Sun reports that clubs have agreed to use between eight to 10 neutral venues once football does return, with a tentative start date of June 12 mooted.
The grounds will be confirmed in the next two weeks but the police are thought to have concerns over using stadiums in congested urban areas.
This would rule out stadiums like Anfield and Stamford Bridge, but there are plenty of stadiums with little surrounding housing.
The Sun claims the eight strongest candidates for venues are Brighton, Southampton, West Ham, Arsenal, Leicester, Aston Villa, Manchester United and Man City.
The most likely neutral venues for Premier League games are Brighton – Amex Stadium, Southampton – St Mary’s Stadium, West Ham – London Stadium, Arsenal – Emirates, Leicester – King Power Stadium, Aston Villa – Villa Park, Manchester United – Old Trafford and Manchester City – Etihad.
Wembley and St George’s Park are thought to have been discounted as possible options but no club will play at their own stadium to ensure the maximum equality.
Some clubs are understood to have voiced some doubts over whether to actually finish the season but the majority view was to push ahead.
A source told The Athletic: “The Premier League now wants to restart and there is a clear majority for this.
“They will have a proper crack at getting this over the line. The discussions were less of a debate and more information, led by Premier League officials and the government, detailing how they can restart.
“Clubs will continue to brief and leak stories to suit their own agendas. But within the meeting, it felt like football was working its way back.”
-Culled from talk sports.com
