Sky to negotiate with SPL

Celtic and Rangers are the big draw in Scotland

Sky television has returned to the negotiating table over the coverage of the Scottish Premier League.

And talks will centre on a two-year deal.

SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell says that officials from the satellite broadcaster will meet him next week.

The possibility of starting the season with no television coverage had arisen after Celtic and Rangers blocked plans for the league's own subscription-based channel.

An earlier £47m, three-year deal from Sky had not found favour with the SPL and there had been suggestions that the broadcaster had subsequently ended its interest in covering Scottish football.

Roger Mitchell has been under pressure

But Mitchell told the Herald newspaper: "Negotiations are going on with Sky, BBC Scotland and Radio Five Live."

BBC Scotland's offer of a highlights package on terrestrial television remains on the table and has yet to be discussed by the 12 clubs.

Along with Five Live, BBC Scotland also wishes to broadcast live radio coverage, while online rights have also to be decided.

Sky almost certainly holds the upper hand in negotiations, despite some hints that the Old Firm could be willing to reconsider SPL TV should plans be altered to their satisfaction.

The lack of a big-money deal has plunged all 12 clubs into financial uncertainty.

And the 10 non-Old Firm clubs have announced their intention to resign from the SPL in protest at the behaviour of the two Glasgow giants, who they believe are manoeuvring for a move to English football.

A two-year notice period is required for the 10 to leave and this allows the SPL a window of opportunity to arrange a deal up until that point of uncertainty.

News that Sky will meet Mitchell lays to rest suggestions that it would be unwilling to deal with the architect of the league's own, ill-fated channel.