A merged league structure will be back on the agenda when Scottish Premier League clubs hold their latest meeting on reconstruction today - but so will a second-tier breakaway.

Three new options are on the table when the 12 clubs follow up last week's meeting, which failed to find a consensus on proposals to introduce play-offs.

Since then, the SPL was presented with proposals from the 10 clubs who are due make up the Irn-Bru First Division next season to join their ranks in a new two-tier set-up.

But such a plan is unlikely to meet with favour with proposals for play-offs still on the agenda.

One option would see some form of play-off introduced between the SPL and top league of the Scottish Football League.

But a new 42-club solution focusing on play-offs will also be discussed.

It is understood that the Scottish Football Association is prepared to help provide funds to soften the blow of relegation from the SPL in a bid to help find a solution that would produce a merger and play-offs.

SFA officials are scheduled to meet with the SPL board after talks between all of the clubs are finished.

The introduction of change has not been ruled out before the start of next season with play-offs not affecting the compilation of fixture lists, which are due out in about five weeks.

St Mirren and Ross County both vetoed plans for a new merged structure last month after being unconvinced of the merits of the proposed split of the top two divisions into three after 22 games.

Dundee chief executive Scot Gardiner described the process so far as a "shambles" but he remained hopeful that change could be secured.

Speaking on his way into the meeting, Gardiner said: "The whole thing and people acting against one another, clubs acting against what they've said previously, is difficult.

"So yes, if the perception is that it's a shambles it's probably because it has been a shambles.

"We have to get this sorted out and get a better governance so that things can be done properly."

Gardiner was loathe to form part of an "SPL2" given what he feels is the tainted branding of the competition but refused to rule out being part of a breakaway if it came to it.

"We've pretty much got an open mind," he said. "We've always said that we would rather have a 42-club solution. We've been consistent with that since day one.

"I would hope that we have a 42-club solution and then we'll see what happens. If that goes through, brilliant, if not then we'll act accordingly."