Premier League season could still be completed on a home-and-away basis

While football will be played behind-closed-doors if it does return next month, there were concerns raised by several top flight clubs that it would have to be at neural venues.

However, it has now emerged that following the latest round of talks between football bosses, police and Government officials that they are exploring "a range of options" to restart the season amid the coronavirus pandemic, which could reopen the possibility of clubs playing at their home ground.

A number of clubs have signalled their opposition to the idea of playing out the season at neutral venues, arguing that it has too much of an impact on the integrity of the competition.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said there was "ongoing dialogue" on the subject and now the UK's national football policing lead, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, said "positive" discussions had been held on Monday evening.

DCC Roberts said in a statement: "Following a positive meeting between police, government and football last night, we will be jointly exploring a range of options to identify a way forward, which minimises any risks to public safety and unnecessary pressure on public services, but facilitates a sensible restart to the season, to support the economic and morale benefits associated with the sport."

All football was suspended in March, with players training individually at home and away from the club’s training bases.