Newcastle United could be part of an expanded Premier League format next season - if it proves to be infeasible to complete the 2019/20 campaign.
The possibility of scrapping relegation is on the agenda for top-flight chiefs.
United’s place in the Premier League was almost secure anyway but the removal of relegation this term will spare Norwich City, Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth sinking into the Championship.
Clubs are meeting at a video conference today to discuss the next steps for clubs and ideas for Project Restart.
However, should the government decide that player and public safety become too risky, the season could be decided by sporting merit.
That would include promotions - the amount yet to be decided - from each league and increased relegations for the 2020/21 campaign.
That could see West Brom, Leeds and Fulham all be handed Premier League spots.
It is believed that increased testing for Coronavirus could be one way of getting the season completed, but there are fears of public scrutiny were footballers to be afforded special treatment with the NHS already strained by the virus pandemic.
Clubs have also been told that games are likely to be played behind closed doors until the end of the year once football gets up and running again.
