The Premier League believe Mike Dean's Merseyside connections are 'not an issue' after the referee was selected to officiate next month's Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton.
Dean's announcement caused a stir with both sets of supporters due to his public supporting of local rivals Tranmere Rovers.
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A Premier League official told the ECHO that match officials are selected primarily on form, experience and picking the best refereeing team to deliver on the day.
Chris Kavanagh and Anthony Taylor, who both live in the Manchester area, have taken charge of City and United matches in the past and with Dean now living in North Wales it was not deemed an issue for the upcoming fixture.
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It is also understood there is no problem with Dean nominating Tranmere as the team he supports when selecting him as a match official for Everton and Liverpool.
Dean has previously taken charge of a Merseyside Derby in 2016 when Sadio Mane scored a last-minute winner at Goodison Park.
