Burnley and Stoke City are unsure whether the Old Firm will move
The chairmen of English Premier League clubs Burnley and Stoke City have cast doubt over the possibility of the Old Firm joining England's top flight.
Celtic and Rangers have restated their desire to leave the Scottish Premier League in the future.
Burnley chairman Barry Kilby said the move would yield economic benefits.
But, while stating he was not against the idea, his Stoke City counterpart Peter Coates believes there is little appetite for it in England.
The Old Firm clubs said this week that they were keen to move away from the SPL in order to realise their potential.
At a meeting in November, the Premier League in England is to discuss the possibility of a two-tier set-up that could involve the Glasgow sides.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside is the driving force behind the idea to include Rangers and Celtic in two divisions of 18 teams.
I'm all for countries playing within their own boundaries. But, in this business, you just never know
Stoke City chairman Peter Coates
Kilby said he would be happy with the move but admitted that the politics involved may mean it is unlikely to come to fruition.
"Personally, I'd welcome Celtic and Rangers," he said. "I mean, the economic benefits of having two big clubs with huge supports visiting your ground are obvious.
"I've heard about the proposals, but we're not actively involved and I'm not really sure about the politics of the whole thing to be honest."
Coates was less optimistic about the chances of the Old Firm moving south, adding: "You can see the attraction on one side, but some clubs might feel they'd be pushed down by Celtic and Rangers.
"Scotland needs them anyway and I'm all for countries playing within their own boundaries. But, in this business, you just never know."
Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson expressed dismay at both Scottish clubs' aspirations and warned that the uncertainty could damage Scotland's top flight.
"It's very unsettling for the SPL," Thompson told BBC Scotland.
"We're trying to strengthen deals with commercial customers, TV deals, etc. If you're talking about the Old Firm leaving, where does it leave us with regards to contracts?
"We have got a five-year deal with ESPN and Sky with a three-year break. I assume, if they went somewhere else, that contract would be null and void."
SPL chief executive Neil Doncaster has expressed his determination to promote the brands of all 12 SPL clubs, adding that he is happy the Old Firm are part of the division.
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