UNITED MAY BOOST KOP TITLE BID

LIVERPOOL’S hopes of making sure the coronavirus crisis doesn’t derail their 30-year wait for the title could be boosted by bitter rivals Manchester United.

Premier League bosses are increasingly likely to be forced to ask top-flight clubs to vote on the options open to them in the summer after health chiefs warned the pandemic will last for months rather than weeks. And one of the scenarios will be to play the current campaign to completion once COVID-19 has subsided.

A boardroom source at one club expects Premier League chairmen and chief executives to opt for the plan that suits their own agenda.

West Ham vicechairwoman Karren Brady has already called for the rest of the season to be cancelled – with the Hammers embroiled in a relegation fight. But Liverpool will want to finish the 38-game term after opening up a 25-point advantage at the top of the table with nine matches left to play.

And United are likely to take a similar stance in the hope they secure a top-four finish and a Champions League return.

Much will depend on what process UEFA decide to follow as they plan for next season’s two club competitions. Euro chiefs will hold a video conference on Tuesday in a bid to formulate a strategy for Euro 2020 as well as for the Champions League and Europa League.

Premier League clubs will then convene 48 hours later to discuss their next response.

Player health, fitness and contract issues have led to suggestions that it will be impossible to restart the season if the crisis extends beyond May.