The English Football League says it will keep two-legged semi-finals in the Carabao Cup for the 2024-25 season.
But BBC Sport understands the EFL is willing to change the format if it can strike a deal with the Premier League.
The EFL is frustrated the Premier League has not agreed to send more funds to the lower leagues.
EFL chairman Rick Parry told a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee hearing last week that two-legged semis would not be scrapped without a deal.
"As it stands there is no agreement in place to make any changes to the Carabao Cup's two-legged semi-final format, which continues to provide significant financial benefit to EFL clubs," said EFL chief executive Trevor Birch as the EFL announced its 2024-25 calendar on Wednesday.