Houllier: New stadium will help us compete

While Anfield currently holds a healthy 45,000, this figure is eclipsed by the likes of Old Trafford, St James's Park and even the Stadium of Light and Manchester City's new City of Manchester stadium. Houlier feels it is clear that the Reds must expand if they are to remain a major force in the English game.

Houllier told the club's official website: "I think we have to do it at some stage if we want to compete with the others. Newcastle have got a stadium which holds nearly 60,000 and Manchester United's ground holds nearly 70,000. In terms of revenue for the club it means if we want to stay at the top and compete at the top in the league and in Europe then we need to change the stadium.