Chelsea may have to move out of Stamford Bridge for two seasons in order to complete a renovation.

The club wants to turn the grounds into a 60,000-seat stadium.

The cost of the project, which would increase the capacity from 41,798 and effectively allow the club to house a new generation of younger fans, could stretch to £500 million, which the owner, Roman Abramovich, would have to meet.

Twickenham has been mentioned as a potential venue, and discussions have taken place in the past with Ian Ritchie, the chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, though there are likely to be objections from residents at the prospect of regular matches at the stadium. Wembley is another option club would explore, though it would not be feasible under Brent council’s existing policy.