• Ten clubs could lose tens of millions of pounds next year

• Ladbrokes owner highlights PM’s position as Everton fan

Half of the Premier League’s 20 clubs have sponsorship or advertising deals with unlicensed gambling companies that could be illegal next year under plans being developed by the government.

An eight-week consultation on proposals to ban sponsorship from gambling companies not licensed in the UK closes on Wednesday, with licensed operators such as Ladbrokes and William Hill pitted against the Premier League in a battle that could cost clubs tens of millions of pounds.