The SPFL is further expanding the reach of its Challenge Cup competition, inviting two English sides to participate in next year's competition.

Discussions have taken place between the SPFL and the Vanarama National League over their sides taking part.

Is, as is likely, the negotiations are successful then two teams would join next year's Irn Bru Cup, alongside teams from Wales, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Premiership Under-20s sides, clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues and every league team from the Championship, League One and League Two.

UEFA is understood to have given permission for the further cross-border involvement, meaning the inclusion of English clubs takes the number of participating countries up to five.

Boreham Wood and Sutton Utd have reportedly been invited as the best two sides from last season's National League not to have been promoted to League Two.

Though the details have not been finalised as to how the additional teams would be included, last year the sides from Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic all entered at the second round and were kept apart.

Crusaders and The New Saints reached the semi-finals of the tournament.