Premier League players have been instructed to scale back their schedules ahead of a return to full training by the end of May.

Clubs have outlined the next steps towards football’s return in emails to their squads seen by Sportsmail.

They are advising their players to:

Premier League stars have been told to scale back schedules ahead of a full return to training

Scale back home training regimes until May 4.

Expect a return to group training by the end of next month.

Cancel any plans to leave the country during what is effectively their ‘off season’.

Be ready to resume football ‘activities’ at 48 hours’ notice.

In what appears to be another strong indication that clubs are preparing for the resumption of the season, players have been sent messages detailing what is required of them over the next four weeks.

They have been instructed to switch their current training schedules to an ‘off-season’ regime until May 4.

Clubs have outlined the next steps for the Premier League's return in emails to their squads

In recent weeks, clubs have provided players with home-based training plans due to the nationwide lockdown regulations.

But clubs have now sent their squads new workouts which are less intense, with a view to maintaining a ‘base level of fitness’.

Players will be provided with new training plans aimed at increasing their fitness levels from May 5 onwards, effectively the start of a traditional pre-season.

One club are advising their players that they expect to resume group training by the end of May.

Sportsmail revealed players were being told to expect a mid-June resumption of the season

Sportsmail revealed last week that players were being told to prepare for a mid-May return to full training ahead of a mid-June resumption of the season.

Players are also being told not to leave the country during the current ‘off season’ period. Even foreign players, who may want to return to their home countries during this period, have been strongly advised not to leave the UK.

Those who do want to go abroad need special permission from their clubs but have been told to ensure they can return within 48 hours should plans change.