Sheffield United is hoping to increase the capacity of Bramall Lane by 10,000 to 44,500 when plans go before local councillors next week.

According to the Sheffield Telegraph, councillors are due to vote on the extension next week, with planning officers recently recommending the scheme for approval.

The Championship club have already received permission to add another 3,215 seats to the Shoreham Street Kop Stand and now hope to extend the Cherry Street South Stand by 6,670.

The stadium enlargement is “part of the club’s aspirations to create a FIFA-compliant stadium in support of Sheffield bid’s to be a host city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup”.

Meanwhile Bristol City have received a double dose of good news in its quest for a new 30,000 capacity stadium in the Ashton Vale area of the city.

Local press reports say the club has managed to sell its current Ashton Gate stadium to Sainsbury’s in a deal worth around £20 million.

It paves the way for the building of a £65 million stadium in Ashton Vale after the local council recommended the approval of the plans.