The creation of Premier League B teams has been put firmly back on the agenda by Manchester City, this time as a way to solve the financial crisis that is threatening lower league clubs.
City's chief executive Ferran Soriano believes second teams could be part of the solution as struggling clubs are pushed even closer to the edge by the coronavirus pandemic.
Top top-tier teams are believed to be supportive of reforms as the Premier League maintains resistance to a £250 million rescue package demand.
In addition, the biggest Premier League clubs have large squads, bloated by a transfer window that saw more players coming in than going out, as well as plenty of hungry young talent looking for a chance to shine.