Will it soon be a case of "This was Anfield"?

Both Merseyside giants want to leave their respective stadia and council chief executive David Henshaw said funding could be made available if they move in together.

But Parry revealed that Liverpool intend to apply for planning permission for their own new ground in the next two weeks and then start work on it next year.

The Reds want to be playing in the new stadium by 2007.

"This is no false dawn. We are working round the clock to put the funding packages in place," Parry told the Liverpool website.

"We've spent millions so far in putting together a robust and deliverable project, but the timescales are now absolutely critical.

Groundsharing is a non-starter because neither team wants to be playing on a surface that looks like Castle Greyskull come December From Kaptain Kop Have your say on 606

"It's vital for the City of Culture programme that the stadium is open for the start of the 2006-07 season so work can be completed on the Anfield Plaza and associated projects.

"We need to start building in 2004. That is why the planning application for the new stadium will be going to the city council within the next two weeks, because any delays are going to make the project untenable."

Everton have so far made no comment on the council's statement - but are keen to leave Goodison Park, which holds 40,170 but is difficult to expand due to its location.

A recent bid to move to Liverpool's Kings Dock has failed to materialise.

Henshaw had said on Thursday: "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."