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.