The leader of the EFL has admitted that the possibility of B Teams entering the league pyramid has still not been "discounted."

Chief executive Shaun Harvey maintained that such a move was unlikely as 90 per cent of clubs would have to vote it through.

But Harvey, in a range of interviews to coincide with the start of the controversial Checkatrade Trophy, did not dismiss the idea.

Speaking to the Football League Paper, Harvey insisted: “The view that came forward from our clubs is that they don’t want to see B teams inside the EFL.

"We never discounted it as a possibility but clubs have spoken previously that that is not what they want to see happen.

“With a 90 per cent threshold, if they don’t want to see it happen, then it will not happen."

Proposals regarding the 'Whole Game Solution', which could see a fifth division added to England's league structure, are set for further discussion next month.

Harvey said clubs would decide where additional clubs would come from, whether that be from non-league, top-flight B teams or even Rangers and Celtic.

Harvey said a "more detailed consultation process" would soon be presented to EFL clubs, including Carlisle United.

Harvey, meanwhile, has defended the introduction of Category One academy clubs to the Checkatrade Trophy in the face of opposition from some fans.

The former Leeds supremo said he was "sure" it will be a success despite supporter anger and several top clubs turning down invitations.

“Innovation never finds universal approval and the prospect of bringing teams from outside the EFL into the competition was always going to be controversial to start with," he said.

“The clubs agreed to change primarily on the basis that they felt, as we did on the executive committee, that the competition needed rejuvenation. This was one of the very few ways that existed that could enable us to do that."

Harvey added that increased prize money was another positive change.

The News & Star was not among the group of regional newspapers invited to interview Harvey in a conference call.

*Former United star Kyle Dempsey yesterday joined League One side Fleetwood on loan for the rest of the season.

The Maryport midfielder has been out of favour at Huddersfield this season. Dempsey could return to Brunton Park in November as Fleetwood are in the same Checkatrade Trophy group as United.

*United have announced a reciprocal price deal for their respective League Two games against Doncaster.

That will see away fans' prices fixed at a maximum of £15 for the games at the Keepmoat Stadium and Brunton Park on September 27 and February 14 respectively.

"We hope this encourages even more fans to come and watch us," said Carlisle chief executive Nigel Clibbens.