West Country rivals Bath and Bristol Shoguns could merge as one major Premiership force and confirmation of the startling development is expected within days.

Both clubs yesterday claimed that they were holding "exploratory discussions" amid rumours of a possible merger.

Bath director Bob Calleja said: "An approach has been made and the honest statement is to say yes. But what else can we say at this time.

"The approach is just one option they (Bristol) are considering. No deal has been made."

It is believed that talks involving millionaire owners Malcolm Pearce (Bristol) and Andrew Brownsword (Bath) and their advisers have been ongoing since early March.

And Pearce is thought to have discussed the merger on two occasions with his playing squad this week.

Pearce, who has strong links with Bath, intends severing his financial commitments to Bristol at the end of this season, having pumped in a reputed £9 million since rescuing the club from oblivion five years ago.

It is thought that Bristol plc, owners of Bristol Rugby, will buy Bath Rugby effectively taking Brownsword, with his agreement, out of the equation and play at Bath's Recreation Ground home next term.

Next season's playing squad would comprise players from both existing clubs within salary cap limits.

A merger would spare both clubs the prospect of relegation from top-flight English rugby. They are currently tied on 32 points, just one point above bottom team London Irish, with only two games left.

If, as seems certain, a merger goes ahead, then there would be no relegation from the Premiership, with National League One champions Rotherham expected to join the remaining 11 leading sides next season.

Bristol and Bath would need to present any formal merger proposal to the RFU, Premier Rugby and English Rugby Limited for formal approval, but it would not prevent them releasing details of their own agreement.

The news will not go down well with supporters of either club, who are digesting details of the joint statement released by Bristol and Bath.

It read: "Bristol Shoguns and Bath Rugby today confirmed that they are involved in exploratory discussions. The objective is to achieve a sustainable structure for top-class rugby in the west of England. The parties need to continue their talks in private with a view to reaching a conclusion in the near future. Until that point is reached, no further public comment will be made by either party.

"This is just one of a number of options being considered by Bristol Shoguns for the future."

Doug Gibbs, media liaison officer for Bath Rugby Supporters' Club, said: "No-one at Bath would want Bristol to go under. It would be a travesty for West Country rugby, and we don't want the history and tradition to end, but the businessmen have to decide about mergers, not the fans."