Premier League clubs are poised to consider a two-week break in the season due to a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Telegraph reports that chairpersons have discussed a potential mid-season break, to help alleviate concerns around the spread of the virus.
There could be a vote on the proposal soon.
The news comes following a number of clubs reporting outbreaks. Both Manchester City and Sheffield United have confirmed cases in recent days.
The League today confirmed that after its latest round of testing on 1,479 club staff that 18 positive tests were returned.
It is understood that a number of the cases relate to Manchester City, where an outbreak at the club forced the postponement of Monday's Premier League fixture with Everton.
However, no specific details about the cases have been released.
In a statement today, the Premier League said:
“The Premier League can today confirm that between Monday 21 December and Sunday 27 December, 1,479 players and club staff were tested for Covid-19. Of these, there were 18 new positive tests.
“Players or club staff who have tested positive will self-isolate for a period of 10 days. The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.
"No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public after each round of testing.”
The postponement of last night's meeting at Goodison Park has prompted Everton into releasing a statement of its own.
They are seeking "full disclosure" of all information Manchester City provided which led to the game being called off.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his worry at the surge in case numbers in the UK.
Speaking after his side's draw with Leicester City yesterday, the 73-year-old said it was 'impossible' to completely protect everyone in the game from the virus.
"In a moment in time when the virus is spreading quite rapidly it's impossible for people, however well shielded they are by the Premier League and the protocols we have, it's impossible to totally shield people from getting it because the fact is they are human beings."
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