Everton eye Reds groundshare

Birch says Everton must leave Goodison Park to survive

Everton chief executive Trevor Birch has indicated that he is to formally approach Merseyside rivals Liverpool with a plan to share a new stadium.

Liverpool are hoping to build an £84m ground at Stanley Park and Everton's financial situation makes a groundshare their best option.

"In the next couple of weeks I will make this proposal to Liverpool," Birch told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"We need a new ground and we know it makes sense to share."

Everton's scheme to build a new stadium alongside the River Mersey at King's Dock collapsed last year.

OTHER MAJOR GROUNDSHARES AC Milan and Internazionale AS Roma and Lazio Juventus and Torino

Birch, who took over last month, insists the club must move away from Goodison Park in order to generate the additional revenue needed to compete in the Premiership.

Debts of about £30m make the prospect of building a new ground unrealistic without help from a second party.

Liverpool and Everton could also apply for a £20m grant from the North West Development Agency if they decide to team up and build a new stadium.