LANCASHIRE County Cricket Club has revealed the leading company that is earmarked to run a 150-bedroom hotel at its Old Trafford ground.

Hilton Worldwide will manage the £12m four-star hotel that would replace the current 68-bed hotel at the Emirates Old Trafford ground.

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, construction of the hotel is expected to begin later this year - with the hotel welcoming its first guests in early 2017.

Lancashire's chairman, Michael Cairns, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hilton Worldwide in this franchise agreement.

"The Old Trafford Lodge is now 16-years-old and has been a great asset to Lancashire County Cricket Club.

"However, due to the growth in our conference and events business at Emirates Old Trafford the time has now come to capitalise on the value and suitability of our location and to construct a high quality branded 150-room hotel which will complement our stunning venue.

"This is another example of a global, world class brand partnering with Lancashire County Cricket Club following our naming rights agreement with Emirates - and we look forward to a hugely successful future together."

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, development, Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Our presence at top UK sporting venues is growing, and Hilton Garden Inn Emirates Old Trafford will be another impressive addition to our portfolio, joining Hilton Wembley, Hilton at St George’s Park, DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes, and Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, which is due to open this year.”

There has been controversy over Trafford Council agreeing to provide a £4m loan to help fund the project.