The Premier League has discussed offering bonuses to clubs who advance in the Europa League in order to encourage them to take it more seriously.

England is in danger of losing its fourth Champions League qualification spot to Italy's Serie A in the 2017-18 season if clubs fail to improve their overall performance in European competitions, with the Europa League often considered a hindrance rather than a priority for participating clubs.

A change in the rules to the competition means that the winners of the Europa League now automatically qualify for the following season's Champions League, although at a recent meeting of Premier League sides, a further financial incentive was mooted.

The idea came as part of a wider discussion about ways to reduce the extensive fixture list facing English clubs, with other proposals including FA Cup replays being scrapped and two-legged League Cup ties being reduced to just one.