Small number of Premier League games could be held at neutral venues including these two Newcastle United fixtures

They come after the UK's football policing lead, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, had earlier suggested games would be moved at local forces' request.

At least five top-flight matches have been earmarked to be played at neutral venues, plus any further games where Liverpool could win the title.

Among the games picked out were Newcastle United’s trip to Manchester City and the home game against Liverpool, the Merseyside derby, Liverpool's clash away to Manchester City and Manchester United's home match against Sheffield United.

Merseyside Police later said there were no objections from the force to holding games at Goodison Park or Anfield in relation to crime and disorder, while Greater Manchester Police said a decision on moving high-risk games has yet to be taken.

Merseyside Police's assistant chief constable Rob Carden said in a statement to the Liverpool Echo: "Merseyside Police is ready to provide whatever policing is required of us in relation to games being played at our Premier League stadia once the season restarts.

"In relation to crime and disorder we have no objections to any of the Everton or Liverpool home fixtures being played at their respective grounds. We have a good working relationship with both clubs, and their fan groups, and are content that we can work together in advance of the restart of the season.

"Decisions in relation to public health risk are made by the Government and Public Health England and ultimately the final decision rests with the Safety Advisory Group, which is chaired by Liverpool City Council in line with the decisions made nationally in relation to sporting events."

GMP assistant chief constable Nick Bailey said: "We identified three games in our force area that present factors which need further consideration, and GMP is working with both clubs and the relevant Safety Advisory Groups (SAG) to assess if we can safely facilitate the playing of these matches at their intended locations.

"A decision will be made by the SAGs in due course and we will support whichever outcome is decided."