Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has claimed that the introduction of a winter break in English football will make a "great difference".

Multiple news reports have claimed that the FA, Premier League and EFL are close to an agreement that will see each team receive a break midway through the season, beginning in 2020.

The reported proposal would see a round of league fixtures staggered over two weekends in either January or February, allowing all top-flight clubs to have at least 13 days off.

"A great difference," Conte told reporters when asked about what impact a potential break could have on the Premier League.

"Don't forget, in England you start to play in November before the international break and you play until March, every three days.

"When you arrive in March, the physical condition of your team can't be good, it can't be top especially if you go forward in a competition like the EFL or FA Cup.

"This [break] could be a good idea. [It will be] interesting to help English teams prepare for the second part of the season too, the most important part of the season, if you give a bit of rest to the players."

Many nations across Europe tend to have a complete shutdown of their top divisions of football in December or January.