European giants plotting to stop teams like Leicester gatecrashing the party

Manchester United are among the teams looking to change the rules by hoping automatic places will be awarded to the traditional big hitters

Leicester City look set to seal a top four finish this season - and take a spot in next season's Champions League in the process.

But such feats could soon be a thing of the past if a radical new plan to overhaul the competition comes to fruition.

The likes of Manchester United and AC Milan are reportedly looking to bring in new rules that would see Europe's biggest earners gain an automatic place in the competition.

It would effectively end the hopes for plucky triers like Leicester of making a money-spinning appearance in the group stages.

According to The Sun , chiefs are hoping to push through the changes by as early as 2018.

United and Milan are both at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League once again this season, sitting fifth and sixth respectively in their league standings.

Failure to qualify would represent United's second campaign in three years without Champions League football, while Milan have not featured in the group stages for the past two seasons.

Other big earners like Chelsea and Liverpool - both former winners - are unlikely to make the top four and qualify for the continent's most coveted competition.

The secret plans are reportedly being discussed by the European Clubs Association and the above named clubs could all have a guaranteed place come 2018.

Ideas are believed to have been sounded out to be submitted to UEFA ahead of their next TV deal, which is due to start in 2018.

Bundesliga boss Christian Seiffert has given his backing to the proposals.

He said: "If a Super League comes in the way you’ve heard it, and I’ve heard it, that could help us with brand recognition.

“As with any company in the world, UEFA or the ECA has to think about what can be done better in the future.”