A Premier League star has confessed he wants to come out as gay, but has been met with worries from his club who are concerned about the reaction of fans.
The footballer has been told he is not to make a public declaration without the blessing of the club and is said to be in talks with bosses who are seeking assurances that the news won't impact his season.
It comes as one Twitter account 'The Gay Footballer', which is said to belong to a player in the Championship, expressed he would be coming out publicly in the next few days.
It is not yet known who either of the players are and sources close to the Premier League player have highlighted the significance of the decision.
Speaking to The Sun, and insider said: 'After telling his club, officials have expressed reservations.'
The star player, along with his agent have been in discussions with team officials for several months and the insider said that the club are keen for another player to come out first.
'The club has been supportive but is anxious about a backlash from fans.
'Ideally they want another player to 'come out' first, so they are not the centre of attention.
'The club wants the best for the player and realises he should be celebrated for being so brave and willing to be open about his sexuality.
'But bosses are anxious a public announcement does not consume the club.'
The man's desire to come out had allegedly been discussed by his team-mates in WhatsApp groups and are said to have accused the club of being 'stuck in the past'.
One of the player's colleagues also said that the player is disappointed with the club for being preoccupied with the perception of the fans.
'It is a positive story and he deserves to be treated as a trailblazer', he said.
Earlier this week a Twitter account with the name 'The Gay Footballer', revealed he would be the first player to publicly come out.
The account has over 17,000 followers and has charted the journey of the conversation the unknown players has had with club bosses.
He tweeted: 'This afternoon I requested a meeting with both my manager and the club chairman.
'At this meeting I revealed to both gentlemen that I am a homosexual man, I explained that I had only yesterday come out to my family.
'I sought advice from both men regarding the fact that I not only want to, but will, come out publicly as a proud, confident gay professional footballer.
'As it currently stands, once I have taken the time to give full consideration to how and when I am to make it public, a press conference will be organised by the club, with invitations to be made in due course to both local and national press.'