Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has commissioned a study into the area surrounding Stamford Bridge with a view to expanding the club's stadium.

Stamford Bridge currently has a capacity of 41,837, a figure that Chelsea are looking to improve upon due to the introduction of the Financial Fair Play rules.

The Blues will consult local stakeholders about their plans to expand their stadium, while it is also understood that they will look to improve access to the ground on matchdays.

"The owner has commissioned a study into the area surrounding Stamford Bridge," said a Chelsea spokesman.

"As the correspondence that has gone out to local stakeholders makes clear, this consultation is just the start of a preliminary process to collect opinions on the existing conditions in the area."

Chelsea have previously explored the Battersea Power Station and Earl's Court as alternatives to Stamford Bridge, which has been the club's home since 1905.