More than 30 companies have been linked with the endorsement since Carling pulled out in frustration after waiting four months on a decision for their bid.

Among other offers reportedly being considered are individual bids from major banks LloydsTSB, which backs rugby union's Six Nations championship, HSBC and Barclays while mobile phone companies Vodafone and Siemens are believed to have tabled a joint proposal for domestic and overseas sponsorship.

Premiership negotiators plan to continue discussions on Monday morning before presenting one offer to the club chairmen later in the day.

If the bidding deadlock cannot be broken, the chairmen will be asked to give Scudamore's team guidance as to which of the three options they would prefer.

HSBC and Barclays, who were sponsors of the old Football League, have been linked with the title endorsement since Carling pulled out.

Interest from Lloyds TSB has only emerged in recent weeks after the disruption of the Six Nations by the foot-and-mouth crisis turned its attention to a more high-profile sport.

Scudamore is aware the club chairmen want him to deliver as near to the £50million over three years that was seen as the maximum price.