Sky is poised to secure the broadcast rights to UEFA's new 'Nations League' tournament, according to a report in The Telegraph.

The new biennial competition, which begins in 2018, features Europe's 54 teams split into four leagues operating in a traditional promotion-relegation format.

The games will replace most international friendlies, ensuring more frequent competitive games between Europe's best sides.

England's competitive matches have traditionally been protected by free-to-air status, effectively guaranteeing that the World Cup and Euros will always be broadcast by the BBC or ITV.

The new tournament does not have the same level of protection, however, allowing Sky to snap up the exclusive rights.

ITV is expected to retain the rights to England friendly games, as well as Euro and World Cup qualifiers, but will be limited to showing just highlights from the UEFA Nations League.