WINSFORD United could move from Barton Stadium to a stadium at Knights Grange once a multi-million pound redevelopment of the outdoor sport complex is finished.

Blues confirmed this week that they have started negotiations with Cheshire FA to become tenants at the site off Grange Lane as a home ground once it opens.

That could be in time for the start of the 2021-2022 campaign if work is completed by then.

“We’re happy to announce that initial talks have been both productive and encouraging,” said chairman Ray Duckworth.

“It’s been a very exciting start to our partnership.”

He was accompanied by director Tony Duckworth to a meeting at the county governing body’s headquarters in Northwich.

If all goes to plan, they could host opponents at a 3,000 capacity stadium slated as part of Cheshire FA’s proposal to build facilities in the town they claim will attract international attention.

In March, project director Stuart Manifould said that an initial decision to use land in Northwich for the scheme had been changed because there wasn’t enough room to fit in everything they wanted.

That wish-list also includes a luxury hotel and spa, three 3G pitches – one of them covered – high-spec outdoor pitches and a sports medicine facility.

“We’re now looking at a way forward so Winsford United can be based at Knights Grange,” he told the Guardian.

“There’s a long way to go, and no further announcements will be made until we’re in a position to sign a lease agreement.”

1874 Northwich, who ended a six-year ground-share arrangement with Winsford United at the end of the season, announced last November that they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Cheshire FA that pledges to work towards them becoming tenants at Knights Grange when it opens.