FA Cup fifth-round matches would be played in the middle of the week, without replays, to facilitate the break

The Football Association is set to make the historic decision to play an entire round of the FA Cup in midweek in order to secure a winter break, it can be revealed.

The FA, Premier League and Football League (EFL) are understood to have reached agreement for an annual two-week break in early February, beginning the season after next, before the resumption of European fixtures.

Under the plan, the fifth round of the FA Cup would be played entirely in the middle of the week and without replays. As The Times previously revealed, the break would be staggered, with five Premier League matches taking place on one weekend and five on another.

The idea is that all Premier League clubs will have at least 13