Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United could welcome more fans back for Premier League games in October than their rivals due to the size and age of their stadiums.
The Mail report that discussions continue over a phased return of supporters to Premier League grounds from October 1, with capacity likely to be capped at 30 per cent.
The report adds that older and smaller stadiums may only be allowed to have 20% capacity due to "narrow concourses and toilet areas". Everton's Goodison Park is name-checked, while Chelsea's 41,000-seater Stamford Bridge may fall into that category.
Tottenham's stadium is considered one of the best in the world, Arsenal's Emirates Stadium boasts state-of-the-art facilities 14 years on from its opening and United's Old Trafford is the biggest in the league.
Chelsea's Stamford Bridge has not had a significant upgrade since the turn of the century. Each stadia will be assessed individually before a final decision is made.
“The October 1 deadline is certainly the target that we’re looking at," sports minister Nigel Huddleston said in July of fans returning.
“If you look at various announcements we’ve made, some have been put forward, some have been pushed back, but that’s a pretty firm one.
"In the whole scheme of things, it’s not that far away – 60-something days and we’ll be there – so I would be surprised if that date was moved.”
