Premier League clubs have discussed the idea of staging Saturday night games.

The league have pledged to broadcast at least 190 games per season when they negotiate television rights for the 2019-20 season onwards — an increase of at least 22 on the 168 in the current agreement.

The total number of televised matches could reach upwards of 200.

Paul Pogba's Manchester United faced Southampton on a Friday night last season

Chairmen of all 20 top-flight clubs met at a shareholders' meeting in Harrogate last Thursday where the idea was mooted to have some of the extra games at 7.45pm on Saturdays.

This would reduce further the amount of 3pm kick-offs in a move that could frustrate supporters.

A final decision is expected towards the end of the year, when bids for the domestic rights will be submitted.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore could face a backlash from the proposal

The increase in live television fixtures comes as a result of a two-year investigation by Ofcom.

The regulator followed a complaint by Virgin Media claiming that the percentage of live games available to broadcasters was lower than Europe's leading leagues. Virgin demanded all 380 matches made live in their complaint, made in 2014.

Ofcom dropped their probe in 2016, content that the Premier League had committed to increasing the number of matches available.

Chelsea celebrate with the Premier League trophy on the final day of the 2016-17 season

A Premier League spokesman said: 'The Premier League is more popular than ever due to the fantastic football put on by clubs and the commitment of fans.

'In season 2016-17 stadiums were a record 96.5 per cent full, unique broadcasting reach in the UK was up 2 per cent on the previous season and matches were available to watch in one billion homes in 188 countries.'

Several alternate suggestions for various new kick-off times were made at the shareholders' meeting. Sportsmail revealed last Friday that Sunday matches, starting at 11.30am, have also been proposed.