Birmingham Mail live|first coronavirus case in the Premier League could be confirmed after it emerged three players from the same club are displaying symptoms.

Nearly 500 cases have been confirmed in the UK after a sharp rise on Wednesday and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is chairing an emergency meeting today to step up the government’s response.

The idea of playing Premier League and EFL matches behind closed doors to limit the spread of the virus is on the agenda and the Telegragh is now reporting a scare at an unnamed top-flight club.

They claim that all players at one of the 20 clubs will be tested today after three members of the first-team squad showed symptoms. The report states: “One player first showed symptoms of the virus earlier this week and was immediately placed in self-isolation. He appeared to be getting better but has since relapsed with two others subsequently displaying symptoms”.

Results are expected back tomorrow and if any are positive, the club’s weekend fixture will be called off and will lead to further pressure on the Premier League take action over all matches as has happened in other European leagues.

In Italy, sporting events have been cancelled until April and a host of fixtures across the continent, including Champions League and Europa League ties, will be played behind closed doors.