All-Ireland League plan reported

The Setanta Cup is a current cross-border competition

Major clubs from north and south of the border have been involved in talks about forming an All-Ireland League, according to a newspaper report.

The discussions are said to be at an advanced stage and firm proposals could be unveiled in January.

The Irish Independent reported that a significant sponsor had been lined up and that a TV company was interested.

Setanta Sports currently sponsor an All-Ireland cup competition involving eight teams.

However, the league plan would be on a larger scale and involve more clubs.

It would require the backing of the Irish FA in Northern Ireland and the FAI in the Republic.

The idea of a full-time professional All-Ireland league emerged during discussions between six major Eircom League clubs - Derry City, Cork City, Drogheda United, Bohemians, Galway and St Patrick's Athletic.