Andy Burnham is looking into a bid to bring the men's football World Cup to British soil for the first time since 1966, it has emerged.
During a meeting at Number 10 North in Manchester on Friday, the Prime Minister reportedly told colleagues he is looking into how the UK could host the prestigious tournament, with talks said to be underway with the country's football associations.
Push for major sporting events
It is said to form part of a growing push by former Greater Manchester mayor Mr Burnham, a big football fan and Everton season ticket holder, to use major sporting events to drive investment, tourism and regeneration beyond London.
The World Cup plan is being considered alongside the previously reported ambition to bring the Olympics to the north, according to The i.
It would be the first time it has been hosted on these shores since the 1966 tournament, which is also the Three Lions' only ever men's World Cup triumph.
Future tournament dates
The next edition of the tournament, which concluded in the US, Mexico, and Canada this summer, is being held in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal in 2030, with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay also hosting matches to mark the tournament's centenary.
Whilst Saudi Arabia have been chosen as hosts for the 2034 tournament, meaning 2038 or 2042 are the next available editions which the UK and other countries could bid for.
Manchester's role in a bid
Manchester's reputation as a global football hotbed would likely make it central to any bid proposal.
Manchester United have said they hope their proposed new 100,000 seater stadium on land just 350 metres away from their current home, would be ready in time for the 2035 Women's World Cup, which is being held in the UK for the first time.
The UK and Republic of Ireland are hosting the men's European Championships in 2028 with the newly-expanded Etihad Stadium one of the stadiums, however the current Old Trafford was overlooked. Both United and City bosses would likely be extremely keen to part of any World Cup bid.
