Chelsea are looking into the possibility of moving across London from their traditional Stamford Bridge home to a new ground to be built on land near Battersea Power Station.
Stamford Bridge has a maximum capacity of just over 41,000 -- more than 30,000 fewer than the 75,769 who can watch Premier League title rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
By contrast, a ground on the Battersea Power Station site, which is only around three miles from Chelsea's home in west London, could hold up to 60,000.
"In the past, we've talked to various people with interests in Battersea Power Station, but we haven't had any substantive discussions with anyone regarding that site for several months," a Chelsea spokesman said on Thursday.
"However, in light of current developments, we now think it prudent to look again at the feasibility and potential for the BPS site to be developed for a football stadium.
"We have made no decision to leave Stamford Bridge, and we continue to discuss with the local council any economically viable options to expand the the Bridge, but we will continue to investigate various options close to Stamford Bridge."
Chelsea have also held talks with the owners of nearby Earls Court about the possibility of building a new ground on the site of the arena.
The now disused power station in Battersea has protected status as a listed building and numerous proposals for the redevelopment of the site have come to nothing during the last 20 years.
In any event, Chelsea cannot move unless they persuade Chelsea Pitch Owners to sell them the Stamford Bridge freehold after the supporter-led company rejected an offer from the Blues last month.
Source: AFP
