Everton are refusing to comment on local reports that they have signed a deal with supermarket giant Tesco to potentially build a new stadium.

The Liverpool Echosays a three-way deal — between the club, Tesco and Knowsley Borough Council binding the parties to explore a possible regeneration of Kirkby — will be announced to shareholders at the club's annual general meeting tonight.

It is likely to be made clear that the deal is no more than an agreement to explore certain possibilities, and does not automatically herald the building of a new stadium.

Everton previously planned to move to a new stadium on Liverpool's Kings Dock but the scheme collapsed in April 2003.

Sir Terry Leahy, chief executive of Tesco, was raised in Liverpool and is a passionate Evertonian.