Premier League clubs are starting to brief staff they expect football to restart by June 13.
Sportsmail understands at least two top-flight clubs have told their footballing employees that there is now a loose aim for the first set of fixtures after the coronavirus delay to take place on June 6 or the following weekend.
Clubs will be allowed to make their own decisions on when to recommence group training sessions, according to social distancing guidelines, depending on their players' fitness levels.
But it is likely clubs will begin what is essential pre-season training by mid-May.