Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes a winter break in the Premiership will be in place by next season. Most other European nations already have a mid-season break and a winter rest would have the undoubted backing of England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.
"I think that is what we are going towards - and I think we'll have a winter break next year," Wenger said.
"I feel Sven is completely determined to get a winter break, which I can understand as it is linked to success for the national team at tournaments."
Premiership clubs have been opposed to the move in the past because of a fear of lost revenue.
But Nationwide League clubs would almost certainly back a Premiership break, feeling they would benefit from extra exposure during that time.
 |  The expectation level is higher now in England |
Eriksson has been a fierce advocate of the change and first suggested a break after the 2002 World Cup, where a number of players looked jaded after a long and punishing domestic season.
"The expectation level is higher now in England," Wenger said.
He added: "They've won in rugby and people are saying, why can't we do it in football?"
Premiership managers would need to support the move at a Premier League technical meeting, with any proposal then going to the clubs for approval.
The most likely option would be for a three-week break in January, with Wenger insisting a Christmas holiday would not be supported.
"I think we can find an agreement between a respect for tradition and introducing a break somewhere," Wenger said.
He added: "But even for those who are promoting it, it would be a mistake to have it over Christmas."
MMIX
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