Everton have named Laing O'Rourke as their preferred contractor to build their new UK£500 million (US$646 million) stadium, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/.

The Premier League club said a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for a design and build contract is due to be signed after a competitive procurement process. The pair will now collaborate to develop a detailed design and delivery programme for the venue.

Everton submitted a planning application to Liverpool city council in December, with a decision expected on the plans this summer. Work on the stadium is expected to commence later in 2020, with construction expected to take three years to complete.

The stadium will seat 52,000 spectators, 12,428 more than the team's current home, Goodison Park. The plans also include the potential to expand the ground to 62,000 in the future.