PREMIER LEAGUE stars are close to agreements with clubs over the pay row which has threatened to rip football apart.
Players at all 20 top-flight teams will today continue negotiations on a club-by-club basis.
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And it is expected they will accept wage deferrals — NOT cuts — and with deductions only starting from July.
By then, football could have resumed. It is hoped the top-flight will restart, behind closed doors, in late June.
The PFA, led by Gordon Taylor, are not involved directly in the talks.
The union reacted angrily when Premier League clubs announced plans for 30 per cent deferrals and cuts during the crisis.
And players are taking their advice and holding firm, appearing unwilling to take any actual cuts.
SunSport understands at least two Premier League clubs will have no deferrals and players will still be paid as normal.
But Tottenham, who are taking Government money by furloughing non-playing staff, are keen on cutting their squad’s wages.
Deferrals will vary depending on the club, both in terms of percentages and the actual amounts involved.
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Some teams have set up working groups of players to talk to board members while others have left it to a PFA representative.
After days of talks, club captains decided it would be better to allow separate talks.
Skippers of all 20 teams have, however, brokered a deal where players donate to help the NHS.
