The RFU have confirmed that Chelsea have contacted them about the possibility of playing a season at Twickenham while they redevelop Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are looking to expand their home ground from a 41,800 capacity to a 60,000.

Twickenham's involvement with the Rugby World Cup next season, however, means that if Chelsea were to move it would be at the earliest during the 2016-17 season.

A spokesman for the RFU told reporters: "We are regularly contacted by a variety of organisations, within and outside sport, on a wide-range of opportunities concerning the use of what we believe is a world-class stadium.

"We have had an enquiry from Chelsea FC but have not had any discussions of any substance.

"While we don't comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on merit, assessing a variety of factors, such as the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications."

The 82,000-capacity Twickenham has never hosted a football match.