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Premier League stars will take cut, believes Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland

Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland is ‘pretty convinced’ Premier League players would be prepared to take a pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Talks between the league and the PFA over possible wage deferrals are ongoing, with the subject of players’ pay coming into focus following criticism from health secretary Matt Hancock, who claimed they “must play their part”.

Both Newcastle and Tottenham have, meanwhile, been pilloried for placing non-playing staff on furlough while continuing to pay players in full.

Nyland believes it is ‘natural’ players should take a cut in salary if required to help out.

He said: “I think it is quite natural that we also take a pay cut, as long as matches are not played. That is happening all over Europe.

“It’s getting a structure that fits everyone. I’m pretty convinced everyone is now prepared for a pay cut to contribute.”

Former Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed club captain Jack Grealish “would be the first” player willing to take a pay cut in order to help others. Grealish’s reputation took a hit earlier this week when he had to apologise and was slapped with a club fine after breaking government lockdown guidelines.

But Agbonlahor said: “Knowing Jack he will be doing something to try and help. He will be the first one to take a wage cut if necessary because he is a very generous lad.”

Grealish is among those players thought to have been contacted by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson, who is attempting to organise a Premier League coronavirus fund to raise cash for the NHS.

Agbonlahor, who retired in 2018, meanwhile claims to have lost more than a stone in weight after suffering with the virus last month.