SSE Airtricity First Division clubs are "increasingly positive" about a return to play in August. 

In a joint statement, the nine First Division clubs say they held a "very positive" meeting with Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens, and Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn on Monday.

Clubs outside of Dundalk, Bohemians, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers were allowed to return to training on Monday under the FAI's Safer Return to Training guidelines.

Talks about the financial package on offer to clubs returning to play had stalled in recent days.

It's reported that the renewed proposal for those four European-qualified clubs to share their UEFA dividends had again been rejected.

The FAI want those clubs to surrender €100,000 a piece.

The Irish Sun say that Premier Division clubs have been offered between €100,000 and €160,000 to resume, but only 30 per cent of that sum would be available up front.

It's believed First Division clubs have settled for approximately €40,000 each.

First Division clubs' statement: 

The First Division Clubs had a very positive meeting with Gary Owens and Niall Quinn from the FAI this afternoon.

The engagement was open, honest and focused on achieving a solution that will be fair for all clubs whilst continually focusing on hying to get back to playing football.

As a group of clubs, we are increasingly positive about the possibility of returning to competitive action, hopefully in August.

Of course, some sacrifices will need to be made by everyone involved in the League of Ireland, but our collective aim has to be to return to playing whilst ensuring our clubs remain viable community entities.

We are also optimistic that a solution can be found to enable our underage and women's teams to also return to league action.

We are particularly mindful that youth and women's teams across the country are returning to training and we recognise the need to develop viable solutions for the season ahead.