English Everton ponder new stadium

English Everton ahas broached the subject of building a 55,000-seat stadium in the Kirkby area of Liverpool.

The plan involves retailer Tesco and could see the development of a supermarket, as well as other shops and a hotel on the site.

A Tesco spokesman confirmed the interest, but noted the plan was in a very early stage.

A move requires the backing of Knowsley council, with hopes pinned on the stadium and shops creating jobs.

"We are in the early stages of discussion with Tesco regarding a potential leisure and retail development close to Kirkby town centre," a council spokesman told the Liverpool Daily Echo. "The development has the potential to incorporate a new stadium for Everton FC.

"Kirkby is one of a number of options being considered by Everton."

Everton have been at Goodison Park since 1892, but chief executive Keith Wyness has stated the club would decide this summer whether to move.

"There have been exploratory initial talks, but at this stage no more than that," said a spokesman for the club. "However, it does sound an interesting proposition and we look forward to further talks with Knowsley council and Tesco.

"But we still have several options open to us, and at this stage this is just speculation."

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.