The Premier League appears set to introduce a two-week winter break for the 2019/20 season.

Plans will not result in a complete pause in top flight action, but will instead see Premier League games staggered, resulting in their being five games played on one weekend and five the following.

Teams would therefore be left with a fixture free weekend and have a 13-day break similar to that enjoyed by sides across Europe’s other top leagues.

The move, which the Times reports the FA, Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have all agreed on, would see the fifth round of the FA Cup played in midweek.

Replays would be scrapped for the last-16 ties allowing for the winter break to take place in February.

The break will not impact on EFL sides due to the fact they have too many matches to complete because of their 46-game seasons.

A winter break has long been a bone of contention in the English game with advocates claiming it will enhance the national side’s chances at international competitions.

However, doing away with the traditional Christmas fixture list, which remains a highlight of the domestic calendar for many fans, proved to be a stumbling block in the past.

Having a break in February provides a sensible compromise and a long awaited decision looks set to be made.

Euro 2020, a tournament which will be played across a plethora of European cities, would represent the first major tournament where England would benefit from the break.

Twelve different venues will host games at the new look competition and Wembley has been chosen for seven matches, including the semi-finals and final.