Southampton have become the first Premier League team to announce an agreement with their players over wage deferral during the coronavirus crisis.
They've confirmed they will not be using the Government's job retention scheme in the coming weeks.
Southampton's squad, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and his coaches will defer part of their salaries for the months of April, May and June.
They've agreed to the move to 'help protect the future of the club'.
Southampton owners' also insist they will not furlough staff and have taken the responsibility for continuing to pay 100% wages for non-playing staff.
#SaintsFC can detail measures it is taking as part of the club’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic: https://t.co/1pMnaqFQMS
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 9, 2020
Talks about a collective agreement to cut players wages broke down over the weekend.
Former Ireland international, Ray Houghton, believes top flight players would be willing to take a hit.
"There's been a lot of talk about players and what they should do, and should they take a reduction in wages," he said,
"I think player would, personally.
"Should they do that individually? I've been following Wayne Rooney, and he's of the opinion that if someone came to him he'd be more than happy to go out and buy ventilators or whatever.
"He'd feel a lot of pride to go go and do that."
