Work on Liverpool's new 400 million-pound stadium could begin before Christmas after Liverpool City Council granted the English Premier League club planning permission on Tuesday.

The new stadium, which the club hope will rejuvenate Stanley Park just a few yards from their existing Anfield ground - will have a capacity of 60,000 - 15,000 more than at present.

That could rise to 75,000 and the club hope to be able to move in by 2010.

Liverpool had originally been granted permission for a 60,000-seater stadium, in March 2006, but owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were not happy with the designs.

The grass at the new stadium is due to be sunk 26 feet into the ground to allow room for more supporters.