Sheffield United have contacted leaders of England's bid to express a desire to be considered as one of the venues should they win the right to stage the tournament in 2018.

Plans to redevelop United's ground are already at an advanced stage but plc chairman Kevin McCabe confirmed the club are ready to revamp the project to meet the criteria laid down by football's governing body FIFA.

"We have been in touch with former sports minister Richard Caborn to let him know our intentions," McCabe said.

"They know what we want to do and we are ready to meet the requirements.

"We already have ideas in place and we will do whatever it takes to be considered.

"We believe it makes perfect sense for Bramall Lane to be involved if the competition comes here."

Requirements for stadia at Germany 2006 illustrate the extent of United's ambitions.

Forty-thousand was the minimum number of seats needed to stage group stage, second round and quarter-final matches, rising to 60,000 for the opening game and knockout fixtures.

At least 1,000 of those had to be available to VIPs and official delegates.

Space had to be provided for at least 600 members of the written press rising to 2,000 for the final as well as between 200 and 300 desks and monitors for radio and television commentators, a media centre and 30 camera points.

Stadium technology such as electronic displays screens, loud speaker systems and floodlighting also came under scrutiny as well as transport infrastructure and hotel accommodation, something United would have had no problem fulfilling given the fact an on-site hotel complex is close to completion.

McCabe added: "That should be finished in the not too distant future."

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