The museum holds more than 25,000 exhibits

The museum was set up at Preston North End's ground in Deepdale in 2001, and entry to see more than 25,000 pieces of memorabilia is free to the public.

Museum director Kevin Moore is now in talks with Manchester City Council to set up a second exhibition.

A Manchester council spokesman said: "There are no plans at present to have a World Football Museum in Manchester."

Mr Moore said any Manchester exhibition would not affect the Preston site.

He said instead of being detrimental it would expand the brand and attract more visitors.

The museum was the winner of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award in 2005.

Funding for the free access policy came from the North West Development Agency (NWDA) and the Football Foundation.

The centrepiece of the museum is the FIFA Museum Collection of historic football memorabilia.