The initiative would see the competition adopt an approach similar to American sports leagues, with central negotiation of advertising deals rather than leaving individual clubs to secure their own arrangements.

Both Manchester United and Manchester City, along with other members of the so-called Big Six, have reportedly expressed substantial doubts about the merits of such a fundamental shift.

Under the proposed framework, 60 per cent of pitch-side advertising would be sold through the league rather than by individual clubs.

The number of top-tier commercial partners would also rise from the current seven to 10.

Revenue generated through this centralised approach would then be divided among all 20 top-flight sides, with the precise allocation for each club determined by various factors.

At present, clubs have access to five minutes of advertising space on electronic boards during matches, though three of those minutes are allocated to broadcasters when games are televised.

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The Big Six clubs, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, all declined to comment on the proposal when approached by the Daily Mail.

Sources indicate that United remain open to discussions but is deeply sceptical that centralising advertising would benefit either itself or the wider competition.

City are said to share similar misgivings.

Elite clubs reportedly believe their substantial investment in dedicated commercial teams has built expertise that exceeds the league’s.

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During the shareholder meeting, one chief executive highlighted potential complications with existing sponsorship arrangements.

They noted that a league-wide automotive partner, for instance, could clash with clubs’ individual deals in that sector.

Clubs with smaller commercial operations may view the proposal more favourably, seeing an opportunity to capitalise on the global appeal of their more prominent rivals.

For these sides, centralised sales could unlock revenue streams that would otherwise remain inaccessible.

The reported resistance from Manchester’s two clubs echoes their joint opposition to another recent league initiative.

Last season, United and City formed an unexpected partnership to block proposed spending restrictions known as anchoring, which would have effectively capped wages at five times the bottom-placed club’s wage.

That measure was ultimately defeated at a Premier League meeting in November despite initially attracting support.