Leeds United set to receive payment as part of Premier League coronavirus rescue package

Leeds United will receive an immediate advance on solidarity payments from the Premier League as part of new plans announced on Friday.

Premier League clubs have also unanimously agreed to consult with their players concerning a 30 per cent wage deferral to assist with the payment of non-playing staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Players and clubs have come under fire after several teams in the top flight furloughed non-playing staff but failed to look at players' wages during the coronavirus crisis.

Leeds United's senior squad have already agreed to defer their pay in a bid to ensure staff at Elland Road will continue to remain employed.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday footballers should "take a pay cut and play their part."

Premier League shareholders met on Friday and confirmed talks will be held with a view to wage cuts.

It was also acknowledged that the season could not begin in May, with the restart date to be kept under constant review during the global health crisis.

The EFL have agreed to keep to the same guidelines, with the Whites season suspended indefinitely as they search to end a 16-year absence from the top flight.

The Premier League also confirmed an immediate advance of £125million would be paid to clubs in the EFL and the National League.

Leeds are among those set to receive their solidarity payments early to help battle the financial implications of the current suspension across England for those lower down the football pyramid.

A statement read: "In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019-20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the league, players and club representatives."

On the subject of the season restarting, the statement said: "It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time."