FOUR members of staff from three Premier League clubs have tested positive for Covid-19 from 1,008 tests carried out on Monday and Tuesday.

The latest figures came after top-flight sides on Wednesday unanimously voted to move to stage two of the Return to Training protocol, which allows contact in sessions.

In total, there have been 12 positives from more than 2744 tests, although it's worth noting that players who tested positive in the first round could have produced the same result in the third round.

Players and staff must return a negative test before being allowed inside the training ground.

A statement from the Premier League said: “The Premier League can today [Wednesday] confirm that on Monday 25 May and Tuesday 26 May, 1008 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, four have tested positive from three clubs.

“Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days.

“Previously, between 19-22 May, 996 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19, of which two tested positive from two clubs. Some 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19 on 17-18 May, with six testing positive from three clubs.

“For the fourth round of testing, the number of tests available to each club will be increased from 50 to 60.

“The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the league and results will be made public after each round of testing.”