Uefa and the European Clubs' Association (ECA) are 'close to an agreement' to add four more rounds of fixtures to the Champions League each season, according to The Times, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The UK newspaper expect the expansion will take place from 2024.

The Times adds that the new format for the tournament has not yet been finalised, but notes that possibilities include restructuring the group stage or adding an additional round-robin phase.

Other formats that have reportedly been considered include having eight groups of six teams instead of four in the group stage, or even a second group phase at a later stage in the competition, which could mean eight quarter-finalists being split into two groups, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.