Premiership clubs are backing plans for a future global round to be added to the season, it has been revealed.

The People says Wigan supremo Dave Whelan wants the Premier League to scrap plans for a 39th game - but was voted down in a secret high-level ballot last week.

Controversial Whelan lost out 18-2 when rival Premier clubs backed the idea of carrying out further research into the money-spinning plan.

It is believed Liverpool were the other club who opposed the scheme.