The fourth and fifth rounds of the FA Cup could be switched to midweek in order to accommodate a winter break in the English footballing calendar, according to EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey.

The proposed change, in addition to the scrapping of replays in the earlier rounds, would also allow more league games to be played at weekends.

The EFL is also considering reducing the number of teams in each league from 24 to 20 and introducing a fourth league in order to cut down the number of league games from 46 to 38.

"What we are seeking to do is examine the format of league football in this country," Harvey said at the Soccerex convention. "Equally how cup competitions work in partnership with league football.

"Ultimately, to create space for a winter break, which is a stated objective of the FA, we are having to create some new dates in the calendar.

"We can potentially play two rounds of the FA Cup in midweek and it may well be that replays for four and five may have to go as part of this process."

The proposal for the EFL to switch to a four-league setup will be voted on next summer.