Premier League chiefs reportedly fear Brexit will harm English clubs’ chances of signing top players from the continent, such as the next N’Golo Kante or Riyad Mahrez, according to the Telegraph.

The league will plead with the British government to provide an exemption and not implement any restrictions on foreign signings over the age of 18 in order to protect its competitiveness and popularity.

When it does go ahead, there could also be problems landing players from Europe who are under the age of 18, although league chiefs accept that may be an untouchable issue.

Had Brexit come into force at the beginning of the Premier League era, it’s believed that around two-thirds of foreign players since that time would not have received a work permit.

An FA spokesperson said: “We are continuing to work with the Premier League, EFL and a range of government departments, including DCMS, Home Office and Treasury during this consultation.”