Leeds City Council has started discussions with Leeds United over the potential development of a new club training ground.

Cllrs have entered into talks with the Club regarding the possibility of its official training facilities for senior and academy players being relocated to the currently vacant former Matthew Murray High School site in south Leeds.

Other plans include carrying out further investigations regarding the creation of a new 'Community Sports Village' at Elland Road's Fullerton Park site.

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Cllr Richard Lewis said: "I am pleased that the executive board has agreed that the council and Leeds United can begin talks around a potential new club training ground being developed on the old Matthew Murray High School site in south Leeds.

"The development of a Community Sports Village at the Fullerton Park site is a sign of a renewed ambition at the club to play a significant role in the life of the city off the pitch as well as on it – and that's what's been missing for far too long.

"These moves also tie in with our ambitions to regenerate Beeston and Holbeck, where the council has built high-quality council homes next to Holbeck Moor and brought empty homes back into use on Beeston Hill. This sits aside bringing activity and purpose seven days a week to the wasteland around the stadium through the ice rink, the park and ride and the police headquarters."

If a decision is taken to move forward with the scheme, both facilities would be open by 2020, subject to planning permission.

(LM/MH)