The EFL feels a significant step forward’ has been taken after its clubs held positive talks on Thursday regarding the £50million coronavirus rescue package from the Premier League.

Clubs in League One and League Two look set to be able to access the package first, with the EFL saying an agreement in principle had been reached and it ‘hopeful’ a final agreement could be reached ‘imminently’.

The package is understood to be made up of £20m in grants and £30m in loans to help clubs cope with the absence of matchday revenue, but was initially rejected by the EFL because it felt the Championship was excluded from the offer.

However, the top-flight has drawn up a separate package that would see Rovers, and the rest of the 23 Championship clubs, benefit after the impasse was broken.

The focus initially will be on sides in the third and fourth tier however, with talks now set to ramp up.

An EFL statement outlined: “Championship clubs also acknowledged that discussions in respect of the levels of support they will receive will remain ongoing.”

The EFL said discussions were ‘overwhelmingly positive’ and a step forward in regards to a rescue package for member club.

A statement added: “Following a comprehensive debate in all three divisions, a collective agreement in principle was made to move forward and finalise the negotiations, with Championship clubs making it clear they wanted to ensure their colleagues in League One and League Two received the proposed £50m financial support package to cover gate losses for 2019/20 and 2020/21 as soon as is practically possible.

“The EFL believes that represents a significant step forward and is hopeful that a final agreement on the short term rescue package across all three divisions can be reached imminently which will provide much needed support, clarity and certainty for all EFL clubs at a time when they need it most.

“In addition to finalising the short-term financial issues, clubs were informed that the EFL will contribute fully in the Premier League’s strategic review to consider the future structure and financing of English football, and will hopefully have a direct and positive impact on a more sustainable EFL in the future.”

The Premier League’s strategic review has been stepped up following the emergence of Project Big Picture proposals last month, which included a proposal of a 25 per cent share of Premier League broadcast revenues for the EFL.

Those plans have since been knocked back, but the Premier League is said to remain committed to ensure no club should go out of business as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Premier League said in response to the EFL’s statement on the rescue package: “We are pleased to note the positive conversations at and look forward to continuing these discussions.”