Raheem Sterling reacts to a miss during Manchester City’s game against Burnley in which Pep Guardiola named only six substitites, saying his squad were struggling with the number of games

The Premier League has warned broadcasters that a winter break could be introduced before 2022 as it works with the FA to bring the English game into line with the rest of Europe.

The Times has learnt that the prospect of a winter break is referenced in the tender documents that have been sent to potential broadcast partners for the upcoming sale of domestic TV rights for 2019 to 2022, the results of which are due to be announced next week.

Sky Sports and BT Sport are expected to retain their shared live rights for which they paid a total of £5.14 billion over the previous three-year cycle, but have been told that there could be significant changes to the way the league is run