EPL chiefs host meeting to try persuade stars it’s safe to return

Premier League chiefs will today host a crunch meeting to attempt to convince fearful players it is safe to return.

Clubs are aware of growing worry from some stars that they feel forced back into action.

A Levante staff member sprays disinfectant liquid on a ball during a training session in Spain

The PFA union will express these doubts in the teleconference but SunSport understands the majority of players are now desperate to get back on the pitch.

And Prem bosses are confident that their safety protocols will convince the rest.

England stars Raheem Sterling, Tyrone Mings and Danny Rose — plus Manchester City’s Argentine striker Sergio Aguero — have publicly voiced fears over football returning while the coronavirus daily death toll is still well into three figures.

At least one representative from each club — either the captain or PFA delegate, or in a number of cases both — will dial in to today’s call ahead of a proposed June 12 restart.

Union chiefs will also be involved and a PFA source said: “We all want to play again if it is safe but have a duty to express our concerns and the players will express theirs.”

Player concerns are also shared by some team medics and executives, even at clubs that are strong backers of Project Restart and despite the Government green light for behind-closed-doors sport from the start of June.