Danish side FC Copenhagen is at the forefront of negotiations between a host of clubs disillusioned by UEFA providing automatic Champions League qualification to top four sides in the Bundesliga, Premier League, Serie A and La Liga.

Copenhagen chief executive Anders Horsholt has confirmed discussions have been held over a proposed 'Atlantic League'.

Horsholt told BT: "If we do not act now, we will see the biggest clubs grow larger and stronger while it will be increasingly difficult for clubs like us. 

"We must therefore look at alternative international opportunities for FCK [Copenhagen] in the future. 

"It is still too early to talk about specific models, but the discussion of leagues across European borders is a topic we look at and actively participate in."

Under the current system, the top three leagues - Spain, Germany and England have three places each, while their fourth-placed teams must contest a play-off over two legs for a place in the group stage.

The reforms ensure clubs from the 'big four' leagues feature heavily in the Group stage, making it harder for clubs from smaller European leagues to qualify.

As a result, discussions have been held between clubs from the Netherlands, Scotland, Denmark, Belgium, Norway and Sweden to form a breakaway.

Norweigan champion Rosenborg is one example of a aggrieved club, which won its domestic league comfortably last season, yet still failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.