Nottingham Forest's Premier League dream has been boosted following reports that the division could be extended to accommodate three teams from the Championship next season.
The Reds are currently in the Championship play-off zone with nine matches to go but the season is suspended until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It is hoped the campaign can be completed at some point, though there are concerns this may not be possible due to the health risks.
Various options are being considered if that is the case.
There have previously been reports that the current top two - Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion - could be promoted, with the play-offs scrapped.
But in a recording from a meeting between the Professional Footballers’ Association and the EFL, obtained by the BBC, it is suggested that if the season cannot by finished, the Premier League could be extended to 23 teams in 2020-21.
This would see promotions honoured and relegations cancelled on a one-off basis. More teams would then be relegated next term to level out the numbers.
Alex Rodman is Bristol Rovers’ PFA representative and it is understood that a message recorded for his team-mates has since been leaked, leading to Rovers opening an investigation.
In the recording it is also suggested that fans will not be allowed to attend games until at least January 2021.
Rodman claims: "We won't be playing any games with any fans this year, they don't think so. We'll be looking at January 2021 (for fans) unless a cure pops up.”
He goes on to suggest that promotions will be awarded on "sporting merit", which would give Forest the chance to clinch a long-awaited return to the top flight.
BBC Sport report that no final decisions were made during the meeting and they will continue to follow government guidelines.
The EFL are said to still want to finish the campaign, if safe to do so.
