Fans could be permitted to watch Albion at the Amex next season, as the Premier League begin their preparations for the 2020/21 campaign.

Clubs continue to be updated on discussions between a cross-sport working group and the government on the stage five protocols - those governing the return of spectators to stadiums - and reports published by the Independent suggest that stadiums could be allowed to open up to 40 per cent of capacity.

Discussions will have to take place to see how many of the 40 per cent the club would realistically be able to accommodate.

Smaller or older grounds may have to accept fewer fans due to seats being closer together.

The Argus: amex aerial.jpg

The logistics of allowing supporters into grounds is yet to be decided, but in any such scenario, masks would be mandatory for all fans, while social distancing regulations would also apply.

A decision on a starting date is yet to be made, but is expected before the next shareholders' meeting on July 24, although September 12 is understood to be a likely choice, with Uefa selecting that date for their European calendar.

Talks on both a restart schedule and supporter admissions will continue, with domestic cup competitions also a consideration when coming up with a final calendar.

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