Aberdeen Football Club's proposed new stadium took a step closer to reality yesterday after the most viable location was announced.

Experts conducted a year-long series of feasibility studies to compare the merits of Loirston Loch with the King's Links near Aberdeen beach to determine the best site for the development, which is expected to be co-funded by the club and Aberdeen City Council.

Both were examined in three key areas - the environmental assessment, travel and transport, and the business and design case - and Loirston Loch came out top.

Aberdeen managing director Duncan Fraser said: "The bottom line is it isn't viable to redevelop Pittodrie. It is an outdated stadium and we absolutely have to move; we have no option.

"We recognise how difficult this is for supporters as the beach area is for many the spiritual home of Aberdeen FC.

"These recommendations have still to be approved and, at the appropriate time, there will be a full consultation process with all of our stakeholders including, of course, fans as their feedback and opinion is so important.

"For over a year now, the consultants, with support from both the football club and the council, have been working exceptionally hard, examining their particular area of expertise.

"They have looked at the strengths and the challenges of each of the sites and have assessed that Loirston is the most deliverable across the board.

"As well as having a new home for Aberdeen FC, we should consider the economic and social benefits to the north-east. Research has proved that a new stadium would not just enhance the local economy but would provide an overall qualitative impact to an area and we feel strongly that this would be the case in Aberdeen."

"We would like to praise the consultants for their diligence and hard work and also thank all the local businesses who were interviewed as part of overall process."

The report will go to consultation and will be referred to the council's policy and strategy committee on April 28.