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The Government want peace talks with Premier League players to repair the damage caused by a series of public barbs and gaffes from MPs that have alienated the football community.
There is lingering friction between footballers and Whitehall over a number of issues, namely the anti-racism gesture of taking of the knee and player salaries.
And Sportsmail understands initial steps have been taken in an effort to ease tensions, with Government officials keen to hold discussions with top-flight players.
The move to communicate with players came prior to Wednesday’s cabinet reshuffle which saw MP for Mid Bedfordshire Nadine Dorries replace Oliver Dowden as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Dowden had nurtured a positive relationship with English football’s leading figures, including FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and chair of the governing body’s inclusion advisory board Paul Elliott, during his tenure as DCMS head and was known to be keen to smooth relations following a turbulent 18 months.
The Government want to hold talks with Premier League players to rebuild relationships after controversy over a number of issues, including taking the knee (above)
The move was made prior to Nadine Dorries (above) being appointed the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport after Oliver Dowden's tenure
Nevertheless, ensuring greater alignment with players, who are unarguably among the most influential people in the UK, remains on the agenda for Whitehall following the reshuffle.
Dorries has been openly critical of footballers in the past. She caused anger
