Plans for Salford City FC to move to the AJ Bell Stadium have collapsed. The League Two side had hoped to do a switch with Salford Red Devils rugby league side moving to the football club's Penisula Stadium on Moor Lane, Kersal.
The football club, in a joint bid with Sale Sharks, who already play at AJ Bell, had made an offer for the Barton stadium. But now it has emerged Salford City Council is attempting to buy the stadium outright.
The development is a major blow to Salford City FC, who currently lie ninth in the table. They have progressed well from non-league football since being taken over by members of Manchester United's "Class of 92". but the switch to Barton was seen as essential in order to progress and to expand their small fan base.
