Sunderland follow Portsmouth and Coventry by putting playing squad on furlough leave

The Black Cats have confirmed that members of Phil Parkinson's side, contracted academy youngsters and backroom staff will all be paid in full, with the club able to claim 80 per cent of an employee's wages up to £2,500 per month from the government.

Pompey made the decision last week to place their players and majority of staff on furlough amid the coronavirus crisis.

The News understands all staff and players have been advised they will remain on full pay no matter how long the economic impact of the Covid-19 virus is felt.

League One leaders Coventry have also placed their players on furlough.

A Sunderland statement read: ‘Sunderland AFC can today confirm that its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff have recently been placed on furlough leave due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Last week, the FA, the Premier League and the EFL announced they would be collectively postponing their competitions until such time that it is safe for them to resume.

‘At this moment in time, SAFC has no intention to ask any players or staff to take a wage reduction or deferral on their salary, and the club remains fully committed to ensuring all employees are paid in full.

‘A small number of staff, including manager Phil Parkinson, continue to work from home, and the club’s priority remains the health and wellbeing of its players, staff, supporters and local community during this unprecedented period.’

Pompey sit fourth in League One, one point and three places above seventh-placed Sunderland.