Football could have fans back inside English stadiums before Christmas, sources have told ESPN.

The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) held a landmark meeting on Tuesday with key administrators across football including representatives from the Premier League, the Football Association, the English Football League, the Professional Footballers' Association, anti-discrimination campaigners Kick it Out and the Football Supporters' Association.

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Secretary of State Oliver Dowden arranged the meeting in response to stalled talks between the Premier League and the EFL over a rescue package for lower league clubs at risk of bankruptcy due to an absence of matchday going fans resulting from COVID-19.

And Dowden informed attendees on Tuesday that he is driving proposals that could see supporters return next month once the UK exits its nationwide lockdown on Dec. 2.

The exact details are as yet unclear but sources have told ESPN the government are planning to return to a tiered system of restrictions when the lockdown ends and those areas in the lowest tier would be allowed to admit some fans into stadiums -- capped at a percentage of capacity -- under fresh plans outlined by DCMS.

The government are yet to sign off the proposal but the DCMS are hopeful a green light would also help break the impasse on funding which has left many clubs fearing for the future with around 10 EFL sides at risk of failing to make payroll this month.