Top clubs still in favour of 39th game

MANCHESTER CITY are pushing to add a 39th game to the league season which would be played abroad. The idea of Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore was widely condemned in 2014, and he confirmed in the summer that he has no plans to revisit it, saying: ‘I’ve got the scars all the way up my back.’ However, it is understood that City are among a number of top clubs still interested in exploring the possibility of an extra round of overseas fixtures being tagged on to the current 38-game season. They are aware that the Spanish League are in talks over playing games abroad — including those involving Real Madrid and Barcelona — and do not want to be left behind. In September, president Javier Tebas confirmed: ‘La Liga is global entertainment and we want to grow its international appeal. ‘As part of that effort we are discussing the option of playing some of the league matches outside Spain. These discussions are still in early stages, but as La Liga, we support the idea.’ It is understood that City chiefs believe they should be leading the way and not following Spain’s example.