Plans for a European Premier League

MANCHESTER United and Liverpool are reported to be in “bombshell” talks about joining a new European Premier League, in a move that could affect the rest of the Premier League, including Leicester City.

City kick off their European campaign tomorrow night when they take on Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League, but it seems that the face of European football could change sooner rather than later.

Sky News reports that the FIFAbacked tournament would involve Europe’s biggest football clubs and “reshape the sport’s global landscape”.

Clubs from England, France, Germany, Italy and Spain are said to be in negotiations about becoming founder members of the league.

Up to five English clubs could be involved, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur named as potential candidates.

A provisional start date of 2022 has apparently been discussed, which means that the plans could come to fruition quickly should talks be successful.

It is reported that the top-placed teams in the league would go on to play a knockout-style tournament, with massive prize money for the overall winners, with the competition likely to “usurp” the UEFA Champions League.

Sky News says that financiers are putting together a $6billion (£4.6 billion) package to fund the creation of the new league.

It is reported that the league would feature 18 teams, with fixtures being played in midweek during the regular season.

A source told Sky News that this was “potentially the most important development in world club football for decades”.

This latest development comes after Project Big Picture - controversial proposals to restructure English football and backed by Manchester United and Liverpool – were abandoned last week.