Premier League clubs are keen to explore a new feeder system within the Football League.

The Daily Mail says elite clubs are searching for new ways to develop their Academy graduates between the ages of 18 and 21, when they are not ready to play in the first team.

At present, this usually means working the loan system.

It is unlikely to be well received by fans of Football League clubs because it would have to be coupled with rules which prevent any clubs with an agreement from playing in the same division.

Yet Watford showed last season they can operate successfully as an unofficial feeder club for Udinese and Granada, the other clubs owned by their Italian owners, the Pozzo family.