BBC Scotland have entered a "bidding war" for the rights to screen Scottish Premier League football next season.
A story on their website confirmed they were "locked in a bidding war with Sky", although they have refused to comment on reports that the sum involved is in the region of Stg£8million.
However, fellow broadcasters Channel 5 insist they are not involved in the bidding process, although they refused to rule out any future move for the rights.
A C5 spokesman said: "Scotland has done very well for us at interntional level and Scottish football is an excellent product so we would never say never.
"But we are not bidding for the SPL highlights."
The SPL were left without a television deal after Celtic and Rangers vetoed a league plan to screen the games themselves.
SPL chief executive Roger Mitchell conceived the idea after Sky withdrew a new offer to televise Scottish football.
But both Old Firm clubs withdrew their support at the last minute to leave the other 10 top flight sides furious.
The renegade 10 then announced their intention to quit the SPL after becoming frustrated with the 11-1 required voting majority for all decisions on league matters.
Scottish Television withdrew from the race last week but coverage of the Scottish top flight could still fall through if Celtic and Rangers join the Nationwide League. - PA