There have been ZERO positive coronavirus samples from the fourth round of Premier League testing, including 1,130 players and staff.

It follows from six positive tests in the first round of testing, two positive tests in the second round of testing and four positive tests in the third round of testing.

In a statement, the Premier League said: "The Premier League can today confirm that on Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May, 1130 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, zero have tested positive."

It's yet more encouraging news after the Premier League - and then the government - gave the green light for the league to return in June.

Earlier in the day Oliver Dowden, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed that elite sport in the country can return providing strict guidelines are adhered to.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters reacted to that by insisting there are still a few hurdles to jump over before we'll see top-flight football in a few weeks' time.

"The Premier League welcomes the Government’s announcement today. All major sports, including the Premier League, have been working together with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to produce this Stage Three protocol," said Masters. "We could not have reached this point without the full support of the Government, especially DCMS, Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer’s team.

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"We have provisionally planned to restart the Premier League on 17 June, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This includes consulting with our clubs, players and managers - along with all our other stakeholders - as the health and welfare of our participants and supporters is our priority.

"If all goes well, we will be thrilled to resume the 2019/20 season in just over two weeks’ time."

With zero positive COVID-19 results in the latest batch of testing, the Premier League took another giant step towards its return.