Remaining at Goodison is not a financial option, the club says

The club could build a 55,000-seater ground in a development in Kirkby town centre that will also include shops, a hotel and a supermarket.

On Wednesday, Knowsley Borough Council gave the go-ahead to a major consultation on the proposals.

An event will be held in June in the town to give the public a chance to comment on the plans.

Knowsley Council said the development would create about 2,000 jobs in the town and boost the economy by up to �21.5m a year.

White flag

The consultation will focus on the community's opinions of the regeneration of Kirkby town centre.

Two options are to be given - the first of which is a gradual redevelopment in line with a unitary development plan developed 10 years ago.

The second more radical option, includes the new stadium, retail space and residential units.

Everton FC said an alternative to Goodison Park would increase capacity and improve corporate facilities.

Many fans are unhappy with the proposed move four miles out of the city centre, with one shareholder telling last year's AGM it would be like "hoisting the white flag to Liverpool FC that they can have the city".

Chairman Bill Kenwright has said he does not want to be the "guy who moves Everton away from Goodison Park", but that remaining at the club's ageing ground was not a financial option.