Chelsea have 'best brains in construction' making new Stamford Bridge 'plan'
Chelsea's Clearlake ownership are eyeing "renewed" planning to solve their problem surrounding the development of Stamford Bridge.
That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Blues' hierarchy are "doing all they can" to find a solution.
The issue surrounding Stamford Bridge's capacity has plagued the ownership in recent years, with the prospect of building a new stadium also suggested several times.
Wyness believes that Clearlake are readying another push to fix the problem, and have the "best brains in construction" working on the planning.
The Blues have become one of the Premier League's most profitable clubs in recent years, but need to increase their capacity in order to reach the next level.
Xabi Alonso's side have endured a mixed start on the pitch this season, but matters away from the field remain uncertain at the moment.
Stamford Bridge 'crucial' to Clearlake 'puzzle'
Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that solving the Stamford Bridge issue is "crucial" to Clearlake because it could trigger their exit from the club.
The Scottish businessman is adamant that Chelsea need to improve their "capacity for commercial growth" in order to attract new investors in the coming years.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness explained how the Blues haven't given up hope on their redevelopment project just yet.
"The whole issue would have been resolved, obviously, if people had moved maybe 10, 15 years ago, when the planning issues and the situations weren't as bad, but here we are today, and they're stuck with this problem," he said.
"Even if something is consented and approved, that may give them enough leverage to be able to sell the club at a profit. So there will be renewed work on this.
"The best brains in construction and planning will be on it right now. They'll be doing all they can. It's just the one thing that is the crucial part of the puzzle for Clearlake.
"We all know Chelsea, West London, a prime club, no doubt about it. But these days, I'm afraid you've got to have that capacity for commercial growth as well. So it's something they'll be focused on.
"The maths make it very hard, but they're going to have to be extra clever as private equity boys and come up with some really clever solution. I'm looking forward to hearing what it could be."
Chelsea set sights on Alexis Mac Allister
Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that Chelsea have got their eyes fixed on a move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The Argentine recently raised eyebrows by expressing his frustration at not being offered a new contract at Anfield, despite his current deal still having two years left to run.
Brown believes that the midfielder's recent reaction may ultimately tempt Liverpool into moving him on sooner rather than later.
Chelsea are one of several clubs who have been alerted to the 27-year-old's situation, and undoubtedly have the finances to make it happen.