Bury football club's Gigg Lane is the likely new home of Sale Sharks - this week renamed North West Sharks - as the club looks for greater regional appeal following their Parker Pen Shield triumph over Pontypridd last weekend.

Sale, the first club in the north-west to win a major trophy, have also considered Manchester City's Maine Road ground, although this is unlikely, and conducted a feasibility study on sharing with the Warrington rugby league club at their new stadium, to be built close to the M62.

However Gigg Lane, a compact all-seat ground that holds 12,000, would be ideal for Sale's needs. It is only 12 miles from their current Heywood Road ground and would therefore appeal to their fans.

Sale's owner Brian Kennedy confirmed the three options but said there was a long way to go before a final decision.

The club need to double their capacity to take advantage of the most successful season in their history, along with the Premiership's most marketable player, Jason Robinson.

Bury hope to come out of administration tomorrow and an application will be made to the high court following a creditors' meeting when a mystery benefactor is expected to come forward. There is speculation that Kennedy is interested in taking over the club, which would make Sale's transition to north Manchester that much smoother.