Chelsea have been linked with numerous stadium moves in the past, including nearby Earls Court, but the club will not sanction any new build until redevelopment of Stamford Bridge has been entirely ruled out.

A statement from Chelsea read: “This story is total nonsense. Chelsea is not actively considering moving to this site in Battersea.

“Chelsea has been linked with a whole host of high profile sites in London before, including this one.

“We are approached on a regular basis by developers and others with a commercial interest in driving up the price of property.

“The architects HOK have not been commissioned by Chelsea to build a stadium and do not work for the club. Their approach was unsolicited.

“Chelsea’s position on stadium development is very clear. We will not be considering moving away from our present stadium until all possibilities of redeveloping Stamford Bridge are exhausted.

“Most people are well aware of the difficulties involved in redeveloping Stamford Bridge.”