FIRST DIVISION clubs could break away from the SFL this summer, according to SPL chief Lex Gold.

Gold met around 14 SFL clubs to discuss an SPL2 and sensed an "energy" to move the plans forward.

The SPL, who are in dispute with the SFL over a financial settlement for the remaining clubs, had proposed the new-look structure to start in August 2008.

But Gold revealed some clubs hoped to have the new system - which would see the 12-team top flight and a 10-team SPL2 - in place for next season.

Gold said he believed an August 2008 start was "do-able", but added: "There was a feeling among some of them that they want to move quicker. Others had more modest aspirations. It would be difficult."

The SPL currently give £1.6m a season to the SFL clubs and wants to reduce that to just more than £1million.

Gold said: "The next step is we're waiting for the SFA to arbitrate on our disagreement with the SFL. It is frustrating that the process in Scottish football always grinds exceedingly slow.

"Some of the frustration we have had we put forward in proposals on August 17. Just under eight months on there have been no substantive discussions." Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos has said he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season after 11 years. Former Liverpool, Spurs and Boro star Christian Ziege is now a director at Borussia Munchengladbach. Birmingham have pledged "substantial" financial backing for manager Steve Bruce - and a new contract - if the club are promoted. Ronaldo has again been snubbed for Brazil friendlies against Chile and Ghana in Sweden this month. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov will stay at Spurs for the next 18 months at least, his agent said.