Premier League plans to restart the campaign with games played at neutral grounds are "on a knife edge", according to the Times.
Everton and Liverpool are awaiting the next move as the possibility of resuming the top flight under 'Project Restart' is debated.
The Premier League has been suspended since March 13th due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
But the organisation is hoping to get a green light from the Government to finish the term behind closed doors soon, should it be deemed safe to do so and if lockdown regulations are relaxed.
Yet the current plan to play matches in "neutral venues" has seemingly led to significant divisions among the 20 teams.
The Times claims there could be opposition to the neutral ground idea from "as many as eight clubs".
The report adds: "At least 14 of the 20 clubs need to be in favour of the plan for it to be approved. A vote could be held next Monday, and if seven or more clubs vote against using neutral grounds — there are suggestions that some will comply if relegation is abandoned this season — other options will have to be explored."
Martyn Ziegler's article in the Times indicates the Government and police are in favour of the neutral stadium plan.
And the piece adds that "much will hinge" on the next steps regarding lockdown, which are due to be outlined by the Prime Minister later this week.
Premier League rules mean that votes need a 14-6 majority to get a motion through - and the Mirror report that the crunch vote, at this moment in time, is finely balanced heading into a potential decision day.
It is believed a vote could be taken at a Premier League meeting - either on Friday or Monday - after the Government have detailed the latest lockdown guidance.
According to the Mirror article from John Cross, the clubs who spoke up against the restart in the current guise were those in the bottom six – Brighton, West Ham, Watford, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich.
While Newcastle, Southampton, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Sheffield United “were all very strong on finishing" during the meeting.
In addition, the Daily Mail claims the Premier League will issue "a desperate plea for unity" in the coming days in a bid to deal with the apparent split on the way forward.
A message is believed to be coming from the body's chief executive Richard Masters, who will "spell out the need for unity [and] urge clubs to put self-interest and squabbling aside".
The Mail reports add that the league will need "14 votes in favour for matches to resume".
And the article suggests Friday, June 12th remains the "favoured restart date" for action to get back underway.
Concerns and questions remain over safety and use of medical resources under the 'Project Restart' plans.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish sought to address those issues in an open letter released this weekend, in which he said: "Football cannot occupy any paramedic or ambulance that the NHS needs.
"We cannot take testing capacity from one person in greater need.
"But the proposals offer a level of protection to players, staff and officials that I believe will render Premier League football one of the safest places in society to co-exist, much safer than a journey to the supermarket at present."
