SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster has asked clubs to discuss a 14-team Premiership.
The league boss sent a letter to clubs in the top two tiers to consider the plans put forward by Ann Budge and Hearts.
They have been asked to give their views to the SPFL by Friday at 5pm with Doncaster putting forward the 14-team proposal for a minimum of five seasons.
That’s a big change from the initial two-year vision put forward by Budge earlier this week.
The deal would see Hearts keep their place in the Premiership while also promoting Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with the Highland side sitting second in the Championship when it was declared over.
League One and Two clubs are expected to be asked their views by Doncaster as well in their divisional meetings.
The news comes after Championship clubs were given a huge boost about potentially playing their games behind closed doors.
With James Anderson set to invest money into the game to make up for the losses of playing matches without fans, clubs are much more confident of getting their season underway.
The top flight is set to return on August 1 with training taking place from the middle of June.
It is likely to be a later date for the Championship with no clubs outside of the top flight allowed to begin training from June 10.
