CELTIC are watching closely as the initial moves to get a European Super League up and running within five years put a question mark against the future of the Uefa Champions League.

Competing in the group stage and qualifying for the last 16 last season earned the Parkhead club £22.4million.

They are set to bank a further £15m, minimum, after again qualifying for the group stage of the tournament.

So, the prospect of a European Super League, involving the leading 20 clubs, would cause anxiety within Parkhead.

Hoops chief executive, Peter Lawwell, has previously spoken about the prospect of some form of European League being formed, and is aware of the need to ensure Celtic are in the best possible position to protect their interests, if a super league comes about.

The criteria for entry to this new league has not yet been established.

And, of course, Celtic will be keen to hear more details to establish if there is any way they might qualify for an invitation.

On fan power, they could have a case. But if it is based on turnover or TV market, Celtic could find themselves on the outside looking in, and the chance of repeats of the big-match nights, like the one recently enjoyed against Barcelona, would disappear.

The chairman of Galatasaray, Unal Aysal, has confirmed that serious discussions over the establishment of the 'invitation only' super league have taken place.

It could not happen before 2018, when the agreement which exists between Uefa and the European Club Association runs out.

The ECA - which replaced the G-14 and of which Celtic are a member - insist that the subject of a super league has not been discussed by them.

But Aysal remains adamant that clubs have been making plans and said: "Every reality starts with a dream.

"At the moment, it looks like a dream, a vision. I am sure, sooner or later, in a maximum of five years' time, it will be a reality.

"Other clubs boss presidents and chairmen are looking at this opportunity and talking to each other.

"I think we will come together and look into each other's eyes and follow it."

He added: "The first 15-20 big clubs of Europe all agree with this. Nobody will say no. Manchester United, Paris St Germain, Real Madrid.

"There may be one or two exceptions for local reasons, political reasons.

"But, as the future for European clubs and the future of football, nobody can say no to this.

"It can be controlled by Uefa or the clubs - preferably by the clubs.

"Clubs will have to reach standards set by certain criteria, like financial fair play.

"It would be good for all European clubs to participate in this league."

The president of Juventus, Andrea Agnelli, struck a less strident chord, but conceded a super league might answer a lot of the control and financial concerns held by may of the top clubs.

He said: "If one was to break out of the system, probably the best competition that could follow is a closed competition with the 20 best European clubs."