The RFU is reportedly considering a proposal to stage one of England's 2013 Six Nations matches at Old Trafford.

Reports commissioned by the RFU and Premiership Rugby recommended that England play one of their matches against Scotland, France or Italy at Manchester United's base, according to The Telegraph.

Concerns had been raised over the future of the sport in the north of England, after its three top clubs - Newcastle, Leeds and Sale Sharks - finished at the bottom of the Premiership last season, with Leeds relegated to the Championship.

Former Harlequins chief executive Mark Evans, who compiled the reports, refused to comment on their details but told the paper: "There are complications in the short term because of things like the corporate hospitality contracts that are linked to Twickenham but one of the many things we need to do as a sport is to create bigger, high-profile events in the north of the country.

"Why shouldn't the Calcutta Cup be closer to Scotland? Or a Premiership final at Old Trafford? If England want to have a truly national sport, one of a number of things must be looked at.

"The last time England played a proper high-profile game in the north was against the All Blacks in 1997 and that was only because Twickenham was being redeveloped."

Although traditionally the domain of rugby league, the RFU is due to head north when England hosts the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with Anfield, Old Trafford, Elland Road and St James' Park confirmed as grounds to be used in the tournament.