Rangers have been given renewed hope in their bid to have Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League match against Dundee United postponed to prepare for the UEFA Cup final.

It is understood the Scottish Premier League, who yesterday rejected a postponement appeal by Rangers, will hold talks with the Scottish Football Association today.

Those discussions could result in the SPL season being extended further, and the Scottish Cup final being moved back.

Rangers are due to play United, in their third SPL game in seven days, just four days before the UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday week.

The Russians have had three matches postponed to give them almost two weeks to prepare for the Manchester clash.

The SPL have already extended the season for top-six clubs by four days to May 22, sparking criticism from Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell.

Rangers manager Walter Smith hit out at Lawwell and expressed his disappointment in the SPL after Rangers drew 0-0 with Hibernian on Sunday.

But the SPL could now perform a U-turn and more news was expected later this morning, with talks taking place at Hampden.

Rangers are due to play Queen of the South in their third cup final of the season on May 24, but that game could now be put back.

The SFA may also have to do without Rangers players for Scotland's friendly against the Czech Republic on May 30 in Prague.

SFA chairman George Peat has expressed his desire to pave the way for the country's football authorities to help Rangers.

He told the Daily Record: "We should be trying everything in our power to help a Scottish club win in Europe.

"The Dundee United match can be moved and should be moved.

"The SPL have to tell the SFA when they will finish their season and we agree to that so we can then agree to another extension."

More news from SportingLife.com