Premier League bosses are optimistic of seeing fans at their matches next season.

But it could be on a phased basis and there remains no clear picture of when the 2020-21 campaign will kick-off.

The league's chief executive Richard Masters gave fans hope of a stadium return today.

His words came as suggestions grow in Italy that supporters could be admitted to Serie A fixtures this season, subject to strict social distancing.

Masters told Sky Sports: “No one knows when matches will move away from the behind closed doors model and obviously it is right to have contingency plans in place.

“But there is optimism at the Premier League and at clubs that we will see fans back in the stadiums next season and it may happen on a phased basis.

“Hopefully it will be a huge morale boost and that is what we’ve been working towards.”

Masters said the league would feel incomplete until supporters were back in the stands.

He added: “We’ve got some incredible fans in this country and we all know the Premier League we know and love won’t be fully back until we have fans back through the turnstiles.

“Getting it back on our TV screens for people to enjoy will hopefully give the whole country a boost.”

Italian clubs could be permitted to fill one-third of their capacity when action resumes.

Spain have a three-stage plan to bring back fans next season, subject to coronavirus being kept at bay.

They are looking at 30% capacity in September, 50% in November and full stadia from January.