The FA have backed plans by Chelsea and Manchester City over post-season tours of the US.

The Sun says the Premier League giants will fly to New York and St Louis to play each other twice in four days.

Up to six members of Roy Hodgson's England team - Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott and James Milner - must make the trip 48 hours after their final fixtures.

An FA source said: "Clubs are free to organise such matches this year because there is no major international tournament this summer."