The Premier League are set to announce a new European Cup competition for U21 teams.
The Daily Mail says the top eight clubs from the U21 Premier League - including Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea - and eight including Celtic from other countries will make up the 16-team tournament.
The initiative is all part of the Elite Player Performance Plan introduced in 2011 to improve the standard of young players the top English clubs are producing.
Liverpool, who finished runners-up in last season's Under 21 development league, have not taken up the opportunity, giving West Ham, who finished ninth, the chance to step in.
THE 16 TEAMS INVOLVED:
England:Chelsea, Fulham, Leicester City, Man City, Man Utd, Southampton, Sunderland, West Ham.
Europe:Celtic, Athletic Bilbao, Benfica, Borussia Monchengladbach, Schalke, FC Porto, PSV Eindhoven, Villarreal
