The Premier League's top players could soon be joining forces to take on all-star teams from around the continent, if plans are given the go-ahead.
Stars like Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, Harry Kane and Anthony Gordon could be thrusted together in a Premier League XI that would play matches against representative teams from La Liga, the Bundesliga and Serie A, in high-profile events that could be played around the world.
The Times is reporting that the controversial idea has come about after Premier League clubs executives discussed a recent suggestion by new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly about a North versus South Premier League match. Boehly's idea was widely panned by supporters and football critics, including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, but it is now understood that a proposal to see the best players from the English top flight take on their peers from Europe's leading leagues is very much on the table.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp poised to reignite frosty managerial row following overlooked Liverpool snub
READ MORE: Everton stance on fan gambling losses confirmed after damning report emerges
The report says that "staging the matches across Europe or elsewhere around the world in the summer months, or during a winter break, would be a way to parade stars to expanding markets". It is understood that the Premier League will pursue the idea and other ways of growing audiences and overseas TV rights.
A strong American influence is believed to be behind support for the all-star proposal, with more than half of Premier League clubs now having an element of investment from the USA.
Speaking at a conference in New York (as per The Times ), Boehly said: “Ultimately, I hope the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports. People are talking about more money for the pyramid; in the MLB all-star game this year we made $200 million (£181 million).”
The proposal is unlikely to go down well with Premier League managers however. When recently asked about Boehly's North v South match idea recently, Liverpool manager Klopp said: "When he finds a date for that, he can call me. In American sports, these players have four-month breaks. Does he want to bring the Harlem Globetrotters as well?”
READ NEXT:
- Everton double act making spines tingle as demand for Goodison Park tour rockets
-
Jurgen Klopp set for huge Liverpool squad boost as Youri Tielemans message speaks volumes
- Qatar responds to Everton kit supplier hummel after Denmark change for World Cup
-
'Put it in your paper' - Liverpool player forced to deny 'porn star' rumours after frustrating spell
- Everton Stadium to be city's 'fourth grace' and have Manchester City-style impact
