Tottenham stadium plans

Tottenham have confirmed they are exploring options regarding the use of their proposed new stadium amid reports they plan to host NFL matches in the future.

Tottenham hope to move into their new 56,000-seat stadium adjacent to White Hart Lane in time for the 2018-19 season.

But reports surfaced on Thursday that a design produced by stadium architects Populous features an oversized NFL-style changing room in the new stadium’s East Stand.

A Tottenham spokesman told Sky Sports News HQ: “The club has always seen the new stadium as being at the heart of the regeneration of the area and it is important, therefore, to look at how we future-proof the design, as well as increasing the functionality of the stadium, whilst being conscious of community uses. At this stage it is about looking at options but nothing more.”

London has staged a total of 11 NFL matches since 2007 and the dates for three more games next season were announced earlier this week.

Last month, the NFL told Sky Sports News HQ that talks over a London-based franchise are at an advanced stage and a team could be in place as early as 2020.

Populous are one of the world’s leading stadium archtiects and their portfolio includes design work on London's Olympic Stadium, Wembley, Wimbledon Centre Court and Dublin’s Croke Park.

They have also designed several NFL stadiums including Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots’ Gillette Foxborough Stadium.