Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has confirmed that there are plans for a 'B' league to be formed.
The proposed new league would replace the current Under-21 league format and would be for Under-23 players, with four over-age players allowed per team.
Scudamore believes that the proposal would aid the development of young English footballers.
"We understand the challenge of developing English talent good enough to play in the Premier League first team is how do you get them to transition from Under-18s into first-team squads? It is such a huge leap. You have to have the transition phase, the 'professional development phase' we call it," he told The Telegraph.
"The Under-21 League is technically very good but not where it needs to be in terms of meaningful competition for these youngsters. The minute you call it 'Under-21' people think it is no use. It needs a better name and a better focus. All clubs recognise that.
"We need proper kick-off times, using main stadiums, anything to create an experience that is more competitive and more like the first team so it doesn't come as such a shock. And those players in that group should be interchangeable with the first team."
The league would involve teams that are classed as having category one facilities in the Elite Player Performance Plan.
Steven Toplis
