Chelsea To Talk To Residents  (Sky Sports)

Chelsea are to hold preliminary discussions with local residents, businesses and fans of the Fulham Broadway area over plans to develop Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are in the very early stages of exploring how to turn their current home in SW6 into a 60,000-seater stadium and will sound out the local community at the end of June to discuss what can be achieved.

The Premier League champions once explored the idea of moving to a new location, with the site at Battersea Power Station discussed, but are now keen to develop Stamford Bridge.

But it will mean they have to stay within their current 12 acre site, with most 60,000-seater stadia in Europe sitting on sites of at least 20 acres, and contend with the tight restrictions on building up in London.

Sky Sports News HQ understands one of the options being considered is digging down and having a lower pitch, similar to many new continental stadia such as the Santiago Bernabeu – home of Real Madrid.

Chelsea won the Premier League title last season

Chelsea won the Premier League title last season

It is likely Chelsea will have to move from Stamford Bridge while any renovation works are ongoing, and it is understood the club want to stay as close to their current home as possible.

Chelsea are considering all options but are not in talks with anyone at this stage, despite previously holding discussions with Twickenham.

Chelsea released a statement on Monday stating their desire to hold extensive consultations with local residents and businesses before anything goes ahead.