Eurosport, who are owned by Discovery Communications, were announced as the exclusive broadcaster of the next four editions of the Olympic Games in Germany in November of last year.

But a deal was not reached with long-term Olympic broadcasters ARD and ZDF.

It was claimed this was due to the difference in cost estimates between the two parties, with ARD and ZDF reluctant to pay more than €100 million (£89 million/$116 million) for the rights and Discovery Communications reportedly demanding around €150 million (£133 million/$174 million).

The discussions will focus on the broadcast rights for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games, with a view to agreeing a longer deal.

"We have always expressed our desire to work together and with other partners who value the Olympic Games as much as we do," a statement from Discovery Communications read.

"We have already partnered with 20 of the biggest national broadcasters in Europe to help bring the Games to more people, on more screens, than ever before. 

"ARD and ZDF have a strong legacy of broadcasting the Olympic Games and have earned the respect of viewers and partners. 

"They are also the broadcasters of the 2018 Paralympics. 

"Discovery has invited ARD ZDF to join us at a site survey in Pyeongchang this week."

Discovery penned a contract with the International Olympic Committee in June 2015, which saw Pan-European television sports network Eurosport become the continent's Olympic broadcaster from 2018 to 2024.

The deal was said to be worth €1.3 billion (£1.2 billion/$1.5 billion).

Eurosport, through their parent company will not have exclusive rights to broadcast the Olympic Games in every country across Europe.

In some places they have been sub-let back to other companies, such as the BBC in the United Kingdom.