The opening of Tottenham Hotspur's new stadium could be hit by further delays due to the difficulty of staging test events over the Christmas period.

Spurs were initially due to play their first game at their new ground against Liverpool on September 15, but that date has repeatedly been pushed back as building work has continued to overrun.

The Times reports that the latest proposed opening date is January 13 - four months after initially planned, when they face Manchester United in the Premier League - but that may now need to be delayed once again.

The venue must hold a number of events to gain a safety certificate before it is ready to officially open, one of which is due to take place on Sunday with 6,000 fans taking a tour of the stadium.

However, the club are reportedly struggling to fit in larger events over the Christmas period, having scheduled possible tests for December 30 and January 6.

The first of those dates is proving to be particularly troublesome due to a shortage of staff and police resources, with a London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea also taking place on that day.

Should Spurs not open the stadium against Manchester United then their next home league game is not until the visit of Watford on January 30, although that takes place on a Wednesday and is on the eve of the transfer deadline.

The North London outfit could therefore postpone it until the February 2 meeting with Newcastle United.

Tottenham are yet to confirm any plans for their home games beyond December 29, but are expected to provide an update later this week.