The fixture list is something that many clubs have complained about over the past few seasons, and the FA have finally offered a potential solution.
Scrapping FA Cup replays and playing midweek rounds are among a range of measures being considered to trim the fixture list in English football.
With two domestic cups added to an intense league campaign, top-flight clubs fear a congested calendar damages their chances in European competitions.
The Football Association also has concerns the season leaves the national team tired for summer tournaments.
Discussions are at an early stage and any changes to the FA Cup would only come into force once the existing TV broadcast deal ends in 2018.
The Football League would need to sanction any changes to the League Cup.
A move to scrap FA Cup replays could mean a financial hit for lower-league clubs, whose chances of earning big buck pay days at top-flight stadiums would be reduced.
But it is understood the FA is keen to maintain the integrity of the competition and ensure funds are distributed throughout the football pyramid. More than £13m in prize money and broadcast fees has been paid out to clubs this season.
