The Football Association, the Premier League and English Football League remain in talks over the prospect of introducing a midseason break in English football, with sources telling ESPN FC that "discussions are ongoing" over the move.
Leading figures within the English game, including managers and players, have called for a winter break in recent years in order for the Premier League to mirror the rest of Europe's major leagues by having a temporary shutdown of domestic fixtures.
The lack of a midseason break has often been cited as a factor in England's poor performances at major tournaments, with the players suffering from fatigue as a result of the long, unbroken Premier League campaign.
But while sources have told ESPN FC that there is an appetite and determination to come to an agreement over a winter break, discussions between the key stakeholders -- the FA, Premier League and EFL -- are yet to reach a conclusion and agreement.
When asked about discussions, the Premier League referred to a statement it issued earlier this month that said it is open to a midseason break "in principle."
The prospect of staging the fifth round of the FA Cup during midweek, rather than the weekend as it currently is, is one proposal being considered to ease the fixture congestion that has previously blocked the possibility of a shutdown.
And many leading figures within the game would also welcome the end of two-legged semifinals in the League Cup, instead having the tie staged as one game at a neutral venue.
Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp have all questioned the need for two-legged semifinals in the League Cup in recent seasons.