It has been revealed in the media today that the Clydesdale Bank may replace the Bank of Scotland as the main sponsors of the Premier League when their rival's deal runs out at the end of this season.

The Bank of Scotland decided not to continue sponsorship of the SPL but instead hope to concentrate on 'grass roots' football, especially at school level.

{styleboxop}"talks of a done deal are premature" - SPL Spokesperson{/styleboxop}

The 'proposed' Clydesdale bank deal is reputed to be worth anything from £6.5 to £8 million over 4 or 5 years depending on which source is to be believed.

The news first broke in the Daily Record this morning (11th October) and according to 'sources' quoted in the newspaper article "It's a great deal for the SPL and the Clydesdale are delighted too. For the SPL to secure another national blue-chip backer is fantastic for the game in Scotland and the bank is equally happy, especially at a time when the game in Scotland is attracting so much attention and is coming back to a high. Everyone is talking about football right now and that's exactly what sponsors like."

Although the potential new sponsorship deal appears to be good news for the SPL and eases fears that they would be left floundering around looking for a new sponsor a spokesman would only go as far as to confirm to the BBC website that negotiations were taking place and that no deal has been finalised. "Clydesdale Bank has a strong record on investment in sport and in Scotland, however, talks of a done deal are premature."

The spokesman also refused to confirm or deny whether the details of the reputed deal highlighted in the Record 's report were correct  "We have had strong interest, but until a deal is finalised and approved by our member clubs, these discussions remain commercially confidential."

sources indicate that the SPL are due to meet on the 19th October to discuss this deal.