Liverpool have emerged as serious contenders to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022, with bookmakers listing them at just 5/1 to take over.

South African city Durban are currently due to host the event in 2022 but financial restraints mean they may have to pull the plug on the event.

South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula has confirmed they are struggling with the finances and said: “We gave it our best shot but we can’t go beyond. If the country says we don’t have this money, we can’t.”

Now Liverpool have stepped in to confirm they are willing to takeover the staging of the event if required.

Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has written to Sports Minister Tracey Crouch to confirm his city’s interest.

A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “Liverpool is interested in hosting the games in 2022.

“We had heard rumours that Durban might be unable to deliver the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and have already indicated to the government that we are very willing to host them instead.”

Odds

Labrokes have now priced Liverpool at just 5/1 to become hosts of the tournament.

Alex Donohue of Ladbrokes said: “Durban’s loss could be Merseyside’s gain and as we re-pen betting on the 2022 host we’re not ruling Liverpool out at all.”