Should Rangers and Celtic Leave the SPL and Try to Join the Premier League?

It's the million-dollar question.

Although, in financial terms, it could potentially be worth hundreds of millions of pounds to both halves of the Old Firm.

It's no secret that for years now, Rangers and Celtic have longed to leave the Scottish Premier League and migrate south to pastures new. 

The two Scottish giants believe they have hit a "financial glass ceiling" in their own country and see the overflowing riches of the English Premier League as a solution to their monetary problems.

The Old Firm have grown too big for their infinitesimal counterparts and see this as the next logical step to a bigger world profile, a bigger fanbase, better players and (most importantly) more money.

I think I'll break down this article's question into four parts:

1. Can they leave?

Yes. There are no legal or boundary barriers holding them back (look at Swansea or Cardiff City for case in point). The main problem for the Scots is that everyone has to want them in the Premier League in the first place, which leads me onto...

2. Could they leave?

Although both Celtic and Rangers would be keen to move, they would need agreements from the majority of the Premier League clubs and SPL clubs, as well as the top dogs at both the FA and the Scottish FA. If all four groups agreed, then yes, the Glasgow clubs could move. At this point in time though, this looks highly unlikely due to the financial implications for all parties involved.

3. Should they leave?

This is perhaps the biggest question of all. If the Old Firm left the SPL for the riches of the Premier League, the Scottish domestic league would be far worse for it. The calibre of players coming into the league would decrease, and although the competition would be more open, it's hard to see the likes of Hearts or Dundee United getting through to the Champions League group stages. Domestically the game would fall apart, the money would evaporate and the "draw" for players would no longer be there.

On the other hand, Celtic & Rangers would be off to the land of milk and honey, lavishing upon themselves the perks of playing in the Premier League. The profiles of the two clubs would go up and revenue would increase, which in turn would lead to better players coming to both sides and from there on, challenging for the title.

If the Old Firm were to move south tomorrow, I think they'd finish in mid-table. However, with the fanbases the two sides have, as well as the worldwide reputations and excellent facilities, it wouldn't be long before they were challenging the top four.

4. Will they leave?

In a word: No. Not right now anyway.

In 2009, Bolton chairman Phil Gartside brought forward a plan to create a two-tier Premier League which included the Old Firm. However, this plan was overwhelmingly rejected.

For the time being, it looks like the Glasgow sides will be staying put.

But don't rule it out entirely.

In the past, managers David Moyes, Harry Redknapp and Martin O'Neill have all said they would welcome Scotland's top two to England.

The largest shareholder at Celtic Football Club, Dermot Desmond, also believes that the Bhoys and the Gers will end up playing against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United one day.

And who knows what could change?

A few years ago, all of the Premier League clubs were reported to have said no to the idea of the Old Firm moving south; several clubs have now had a change of heart.

Celtic and Rangers may not be moving south in the near future, but they'll bide their time and gain support before finally taking that big step towards the financial luxuries of the Premier League.