Uefa is set to revamp the Champions League on Friday with the top three clubs in the Premier League qualifying for the group stages from 2009.
Under the plans, the fourth-placed side will now face a play-off against a team from another of Europe's leagues.
The Scottish champions will also go straight into the group stages but the runners-up face two qualifying rounds.
Previously in England, the top two sides qualified by right and the next two joined the third qualifying round.
It is likely the fourth-placed Premier League side will face a tougher play-off compared to playing in the third qualifying round of the Champions League against weaker opponents.
In Scotland, the champions have previously needed to come through a qualifying round.
