Published 18:25 06/10/11 By David Maddock
Liverpool have narrowed the search for a stadium naming-rights partner down to just three global companies.
And that could see the Anfield club finally make a decision over their ground by the end of the year - with a new state-of-the-art 70,000-seat arena the likely outcome.
The club has been given another extension over planning consents by the local council, who are keen to work in partnership to develop the area.
That has offered breathing space, as owners Fenway Sports examine the financial implications of the two options open to them - redeveloping Anfield, or building a new stadium.
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The latter is only viable if Liverpool can find a naming-rights partner who are prepared to pay at least the equal of Arsenal's record-breaking deal at the Emirates, which was worth around £150million.
But with the council's extension now allowing a more sensible negotiating period, confidence is high at Anfield that a deal can be struck with one of the three parties.
Liverpool's current shirt sponsors, Standard Chartered bank, are thought to be one of those companies.
The club believe they can start building work early next year if they find a partner to match their valuation.
The news at least averts the very real threat to Liverpool of having their planning rights rescinded, which would have hit the club massively - and even threatened the future.
Liverpool council though, have worked hard with the club to develop a plan that will also see the local community area developed, which would appease any opposition to the scheme.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-narrow-search-for-naming-rights-partner-on-new-stadium-down-to-three-global-firms-article808813.html
