CARDIFF City's plans for a new 30,000-seat home are on course to clear a crucial hurdle next month.
That's because a study commissioned by Cardiff County Council is expected to highlight the economic benefits to the city of the stadium development at Leckwith.
The study is scheduled to be reviewed by the council's Cabinet on Thursday, July 11, and if they support the findings, it will allow the authority to sign a binding heads of terms legal agreement with Bluebirds' boss Sam Hammam.
That would commit the council to supporting the scheme and making land available for the development, subject to Mr Hammam receiving planning permission. It could also be called in for examination by the National Assembly.
Lord Mayor Russell Goodway confirmed the council had received the study report which, he said, painted a "positive message" on the economic impact and benefits of a new stadium.
"I have not studied the report in detail but I am hearing by those that have of the benefits of the proposed development," he said.
"The report has been sent to Sam Hammam to clear it for factual accuracy and I expect to see his response shortly.
"The intention is that the report should go to the Cabinet at its next meeting in July." The council is proposing a list of conditions linked to the heads of terms agreement - including a trigger involving financial penalties on the club if there are hooliganism problems at the new ground.
The scheme proposed by Mr Hammam also involves the moving of the existing athletics stadium across Leckwith Road and the development of retail units on the site, which is opposite Cardiff City's current Ninian Park home.