Ibrox chief executive Martin Bain confirmed that discussions with Celtic had taken place as the 10 other Clydesdale Bank Premier League clubs consider a deal put forward by Sky and ESPN.

The SPL faces a race against time to find a new TV deal for the August 15 kick-off after the UK operation of financially-stricken Setanta collapsed.

However, the £65 million five-year offer by Sky and ESPN is only half of what the contract with Irish broadcaster Setanta was worth.

Bain said: "I can confirm that the Old Firm have had talks regarding the current broadcasting arrangements.

"We are deeply disappointed at the proposals on the table and are exploring other avenues. At this stage I don't want to comment further."

But a spokesman for the SPL told Press Association Sport: "We have not received a proposal from the Old Firm in relation to our TV rights.

"Until we do so we are not in a position to comment on it."