Plans are being submitted to eventually take the capacity from 33,000 to 40,000, starting with a redevelopment of the Kop and then moving on to the South Stand.

But there is also a strong emphasis on the non-footballing side of the equation. The Kop scheme includes a second enterprise centre, designed to encourage the growth of local businesses, and student flats.

It is intended that these elements will help pay for the proposed multi-million pound improvements to the stadium, which have been designed with England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup in mind. United believe that if the bid is successful, Bramall Lane can be the first choice for matches in Yorkshire.

The latest proposals are being deposited for the scrutiny of the local community and the council and are being driven largely by United plc chairman Kevin McCabe.

They reflect the aim of continuing to diversify the club's commercial base to support investment in the stadium and team. The new four-star Copthorne hotel opens next month.

The Kop project includes creating an extra 3,200 seats and a cantilevered roof, removing the central pillars, a new covered concourse with catering and toilet facilities and new office, community and education facilities.

There would be another Blades Enterprise Centre, in the corner between The Kop and the Valad South Stand, a multi-use community games area and student flats on the corner of John Street and Shoreham Street. In the longer term United are looking to increase the capacity of the South Stand, adding flats and car parking.

Football club chief executive Jason Rockett said: "Over recent years we have upgraded supporters' facilities, have increased the capacity to just under 33,000 and seen the club become the best supported in the Championship.

"We continue to plan for the medium to long-term, putting in place the infrastructure to support a growing fan base and with an intention of achieving our main objective, promotion and sustained Premier League football. We have also taken a longer term view and identified the opportunities around the South Stand which would enable Sheffield and Bramall Lane to be a part of any 2018 bid."

United have begun consultations with Shoreham Street Tenants and Residents Association and the Sharrow Community Forum and will stage an exhibition of the plans from next Monday to Saturday in the reception area of the John Street stand.




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