England is set to have four guaranteed places in the Champions League group stage from the 2018-19 season, Press Association Sport understands.

Currently there are automatic spots for three English clubs, with a fourth having to qualify through a play-off, as Manchester City did this week after finishing fourth in the Premier League last term.

It is understood a revamp will see the top four nations in UEFA's rankings for club competitions - currently Spain, Germany, England and Italy - each get guaranteed places for the teams finishing in the top four in those leagues.

An announcement on the matter is expected from European football's governing body on Friday, with a series of meetings having taken place on Thursday after several months of UEFA consultations with stakeholders.