Manchester City are putting plans into place for the Etihad to match Manchester United's Old Trafford.
The Mail on Sunday says City have formally applied for planning permission to expand the Etihad Stadium from 48,000 to 62,170, making it the second biggest venue in the Premier League.
The plans also show that the East and West stands could be further increased to raise the capacity beyond 70,000 in the future, about 6,000 short of what Old Trafford holds.
The architects of the Olympic Stadium, Populous, have produced the designs and the club hope work will begin in February.
