Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley has warned Everton and Liverpool they have until December to resolve their stadia issues or risk missing out on hosting the World Cup, reports the Liverpool Daily Post. Liverpool have already registered their interest in becoming a host city for the tournament in 2018 or 2022, with the city having until the end of the year to formally submit a bid.

Cllr Bradley revealed that it was feasible Everton's proposed new 55,000-seat stadium in Kirkby and Liverpool's planned new stadium on Stanley Park could both be included in the city's application.

But he said the city would first require assurances over the viability of the schemes while revealing Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Sport, had called for a fresh debate over a controversial shared stadium.

"In theory, it's possible that the city could have two stadiums by 2018 that could host World Cup games," said Cllr Bradley.

"But that has to be identified by December this year, so it is crucial by then that the situation is resolved over the new stadia for the two clubs or any possible joint stadium."