Everton moved to Goodison Park after leaving Anfield over a rent row

Liverpool city council has written to the clubs, who are both planning to move to new stadiums, offering to act as an "honest broker" in any talks between them.

It says the success of both clubs is "critical" to the future of the city.

Everton has already seen plans to move from Goodison Park to the city centre's King's Dock fall through after it failed to come up with sufficient money.

And Liverpool has also considered plans to build a new stadium on Stanley Park - which currently separates their Anfield ground from their Premiership rivals.

Liverpool have already announced plans to build a new stadium

The council's offer comes after the North West Development Agency said a ground share would make good financial sense for both clubs.

Council Leader Mike Storey said: "We are not taking a view on whether this is a good idea or a bad one.

"But this is a serious issue for the city and it is one that needs a proper, mature debate.

"It is not only of enormous significance to the clubs but to the future development of the city at one of the most crucial times in its history."

He added: "Substantial funding may be available to support the building of a joint stadium. It is only right and proper that both clubs are given the opportunity to fully examine this implication for them.

The future success of both clubs - both on and off the field - is critical to the future success of the whole city David Henshaw, Chief Executive, Liverpool City Council

"Both clubs want new stadia, a joint stadium may make much more financial sense.

"At the end of the day, ground-sharing will only take place if both clubs want it. Our aim is to ensure that every opportunity is given for all the issues - both for, and against - to be examined."

The council has written to the chief executives of Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs, Rick Parry and Michael Dunford, offering to facilitate the talks.

City Council Chief Executive David Henshaw said: "The future success of both clubs - both on and off the field - is critical to the future success of the whole city.

"It is important that all the options are carefully and thoroughly examined. That must include the ground-sharing option.

"There are many positive advantages for both clubs in sharing a stadium - not least the substantial savings in building a new ground and in running costs - money that could be spent on team development.

"But we also have to recognise the deep loyalties, sense of identity and history of both clubs."