Several reports from the UK this weekend suggest that two high-profile Premier League footballers are preparing to come out as gay.

There are currently no openly homosexual athletes playing in the sport’s top tier in England.

One story in The Mirror today states that the players – one of whom is an English international – feel that the time is right, and that there is a far better climate of acceptance now.

The newspapers also says that the players are eager to make the announcement before the beginning of next season.

Almost every other major sport, from hurling to rugby, has had players speak openly about their sexuality and continue their careers without any major disruption.

However, professional football in the UK has yet to be tested in the same way.

Former Aston Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger said he was gay after he retired in 2014 and Robbie Rogers [pictured above] quit the game after saying he was gay in 2012 before returning to the sport. He now plays for LA Galaxy alongside Robbie Keane.

The Mirror also reports that one well-known player told friends he was gay in 2011 but his car was them daubed with a homophobic slur.