It seems that Fulham may not return to Craven Cottage

Despite committing to sharing Loftus Road with QPR for the forthcoming season, Fulham have been informed by the Premier League that the Division Two ground would need significant improvements to host top-flight football beyond 2004.

Fulham could move to Stamford Bridge if they have still not decided between a budget scheme to renovate Craven Cottage and building a new stadium on an as yet unidentified site.

The obstacles between Fulham and a move to the Bridge are a planning rule - banning more than one team playing there - which would need to be overturned, and fierce objections are expected from local residents.

Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council press officer Kevin Batt said: "We haven't received a formal application for a groundshare at Stamford Bridge.

"However, we have had general discussions with Fulham and they know exactly what we would expect from them in an application."

The club vacated Craven Cottage for this campaign as part of their plans to build a new stadium on the site.

However, the initial scheme was scrapped because it was not deemed financially viable, although the club insist they are still looking at ways to return to their home on the banks of the Thames.

Fulham to be quizzed on Cottage

The decision to stay at Loftus Road - which has reportedly cost the club �1m this season - comes despite poor attendances.

Fulham have been unable to sell out the ground which has a capacity of just 18,500.

The plans to build on Craven Cottage were binned by the club when the proposed cost rose from �70m to around �100m.