PHIL PARKINSON says it would be "fantastic" if Wrexham were handed a passport back into playing European cup competitions.

It has emerged that Wales’ four English Football League clubs - Wrexham, Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County - are in talks about entering a Welsh cup competition to boost their chances of qualifying for European football.

Those EFL clubs are only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup because they play in the English pyramid.

But according to reports from BBC Sport Wales, who have seen a document entitled Prosicet Cymru (Project Wales), the clubs and the Football Association of Wales have had discussions about entering the Welsh League Cup - currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - for a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.

The four teams would continue to play in the English pyramid, but the proposed move to the Welsh League Cup would see them sacrifice their ability to qualify for Europe via the FA Cup, EFL Cup or Premier League.

According to the Prosiect Cymru report: “Welsh football is in a unique position within European football in that its largest clubs play in the domestic league of another country (England).

“This has historically limited the ability of Welsh domestic clubs to be competitive in UEFA club competitions.

"An innovative solution to address this position has transformational potential for the whole Welsh football ecosystem from grassroots to the professional men’s and women’s game.”

On the proposal, Wrexham boss Parkinson said: "I think it would be fantastic, I really do.

"To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing.

"Hopefully that comes to fruition."

Wales' four EFL sides have been stopped from entering the Welsh Cup - a competition Wrexham have won more than any other team.

Only clubs playing in the Welsh set-up are allowed to represent the country in Europe.

Cymru Premier League champions The New Saints made history this season when they become the first club from the Welsh pyramid to qualify for the group stage of a major European competition when they secured their place in the Europa Conference League.

Wrexham last played in Europe in 1995 when they were knocked out by Romanians Petrolul Ploiești.

Their first foray into Europe was against FC Zürich of Switzerland in 1972 while the reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup Winners Cup four years later when they were beaten 2-1 on aggregate by Anderlecht.

Last week also marked the 40th anniversary of arguably Wrexham's best ever European performance.

Heading to Portugal leading 1-0 from the first leg, Wrexham lost 4-3 to Porto on October 3, 1984 but went through on the away goals rule thanks to a late goal from Barry Horne.