The English Premier League is considering playing a 38th game abroad.

In an era when all are eyeing overseas commercial revenues as their number one engine of growth, the thought of a “real” league match abroad is very appealing.

Financial fair play has exacerbated the need to increase revenue streams and, led inevitably by Manchester United, clubs are aggressively targeting foreign sponsors. Already overseas television revenue makes up £2.4 billion of the £5.5billion total.

The success of the NFL and the NBA in repeatedly filling Wembley and the O2 respectively for regular season games has only increased the desire to go abroad.

Although plans are still described as “embryonic”, there is no doubting the enthusiasm for a “38th game” among some clubs. Logistically, the fact some would play an uneven number of home games would have to be considered, while Fifa and Uefa would have to be won over.