Home furnishing store IKEA could be set to open a store next to Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium.
The popular chain has expressed an interest in a piece of land next to the stadium, which is part owned by Salford council.
It follows the revelation that Salford council is set to invest almost £1 million into the upkeep of the stadium.
The news will come as a concern to fans, with access in and out of the stadium already problematic, however plans are in place for a new road into the site, which will link to the nearby Trafford Centre.
City Mayor Paul Dennett told the MEN: “We are about to sell two plots, one is 1.5 acres near to the Greene King pub, which is for retail use.
“The other is two acres on part of the south car park of the stadium, potentially as a car show room.
“The loan is to the stadium company. It has nothing to do with Salford Red Devils.
“The city council are 50 per cent shareholder in the stadium with Peel so it is incumbent on us to make the stadium as an economic venture work.
“The money from the loan will be spent on operations at the stadium. Revenues have increased 14 per cent on the last financial year at the stadium, holding events, conferences, also using pitches as side of stadium for community use.”
The council has already made loans of £24.83 million to the stadium, which has nothing to do with Salford Red Devils.