Liverpool are planning to quit Anfield

The city council and the Northwest Development Agency want them to consider the plan with doubts over Goodison Park and Anfield.

Public money may be available - but Liverpool insist they are committed to a new stadium in Stanley Park.

Liverpool expect to submit a planning application in October, while Everton's move to King's Dock has collapsed.

Bryan Gray, chairman of the NWDA, which is responsible for economic development and regeneration of the region, is hopeful of continuing the dialogue.

He said: "The Northwest Development Agency, together with Liverpool City Council, have asked Liverpool Football Club and Everton Football Club to discuss the economic development and regeneration benefits of building a new, world-class football stadium in Liverpool.

"The Agency are supportive of Liverpool Football Club's plans to build a new stadium and are keen to ensure that the development brings the greatest possible benefit for the city and the wider north west.

These discussions will at least give the opportunity for the pros - and the cons - to be debated Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry

"We are also aware of Everton's ambition for a new home. Hence, discussions are taking place between NWDA, Liverpool City Council and the two football clubs.

"No early outcome is expected and the decision will not affect Liverpool Football Club's intended application for planning permission."

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said on the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "NWDA support for our stadium project is key to its success, which is why we were happy to meet them.

"It gave us the opportunity to explain just how far advanced our plans are and reiterate our commitment to Stanley Park, the amount of work undertaken and considerable investment that has already gone into the project over the last three years.

No, no, no, it's not a good idea - both clubs will lose out in the long run From Tallican Have your say on 606

"We also outlined the benefits to the whole community.

"The stadium will be a central pillar of the regeneration of north Liverpool, which is why the club do not want to consider any other sites proposed within the city."

He added: "We understand why the NWDA wish to raise the issue of groundsharing, but we also understand the fundamental importance of this issue to our fans and their emotional concerns about a shared ground.

"These discussions will at least give the opportunity for the pros - and the cons - to be debated.