'No Chelsea move' from Stamford Bridge to Earls Court

Earls Court has been home to major exhibitions and music concerts since 1937

Chelsea have denied a report that they will leave Stamford Bridge for a new purpose-built stadium at Earls Court.

The Guardian newspaper said the club were in talks with the developers of the Exhibition Centre which is due to be demolished after the 2012 Olympics.

But Chelsea spokesman Steve Atkins said: "We don't have any plans to move stadium at this time."

The current plan for the site in west London is an 8,000-home development by architect Sir Terry Farrell.

But the developer, Capital and Counties, is understood to be assessing all options for the venue before a final decision is made.

Interested 'years ago'

Chelsea considered moving from Stamford Bridge to nearby Earls Court in 2006 but did not take the idea further.

Earls Court Exhibition Centre, which has hosted exhibitions and concerts since it opened in 1937, is scheduled to be knocked down built after the Olympic volleyball competition is held there in 2012.

"There are quotes out there today from the investment director of the site developers for Earls Court, saying they've merely been keeping us up to date on progress for the site, because we were interested a number of years ago," said Mr Atkins.

"But they are committed to their original plan, which is the housing project."

Chelsea are understood to be looking at ways to increase their income while staying at Stamford Bridge.

One way would be to find a sponsor whose name would be incorporated into the stadium's identity.