BREAKING NEWS:West Ham finally announces plans to expand London stadium and redevelopment

 West Ham bid for expansion, as they look to add 5,500 supporters to each game at the London Stadium, making it the second-largest ground in the Premier League behind Old Trafford

West Ham are set to apply to have the London Stadium capacity expanded to 68,000 on match days.

The Hammers and London Stadium owners the London Legacy Development Corporation have agreed an informal plan which will see the number of supporters rise by 5,500.

Licensing regulations mean the capacity is limited to 62,500 for West Ham games, despite the stadium being expanded to hold 68,013 fans last year. The additional seats are unused on match days.

The increased capacity would give West Ham the second largest stadium in the Premier League behind Old Trafford. Sources revealed the club and LLDC have an informal agreement in place and a deal could be formalised within the next two years. There are hopes the extra capacity will be introduced in time for the 2026-27 season.

It is understood minor alterations will need to be completed before the capacity can be raised, including increasing catering and toilet facilities.

West Ham would pay increased rent of £200,000 under the terms of their lease, taking their annual payment from £3.5million to £3.7m.

West Ham have been granted planning permission to increase the London Stadium capacity to 62,500.

An extra 2,500 seats will be added once the club are given the all-clear, taking the former Olympic Stadium above the Emirates Stadium and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the biggest club ground in the capital.

Since the regular return of supporters this year, we have seen a terrific response with every Premier League fixture so far this season sold out, and we thank them for their continued fantastic backing including breaking attendance records as part of regular capacity crowds at London Stadium.