REEBOK Stadium chiefs want to open talks with Bolton Arena about making Middlebrook a mecca for live music.

Bosses at Bolton Wanderers say a tie-up with the Arena - just yards away from the Reebok Stadium - would be desirable, and feel the pair could work together.

Commercial director Gareth Moores is currently promoting the stadium'sBig Light On event - a series of six high-profile gigs running over two weekends in July.

Among the acts are Jools Holland, Michael Ball, the Sugababes, Liberty X and tributes to James Bond and the 1980s.

But asked whether the Reebok's plans would be a rival to Bolton Arena's proposals for a series of indoor concerts, Mr Moores said: "We would very much like to work together with the Arena, with us having outdoor concerts every summer and them doing indoor gigs.

"They could benefit from our facilities and vice versa."

Council chiefs have approved a £335,000 cash handout to revamp the Bolton Arena in a move which could see some of the biggest names in music and comedy playing at the Arena.

Arena bosses drew-up plans for a major change of direction at the borough's flagship sports centre after the withdrawal of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

The Arena is attractive because it is a medium-sized venue capable of holding up to 6,000 people for concerts and already holds a licence to stage big events.

It is hoped that its unusual size and easy access to the motorways would attract bands not able to sell out the biggest venues - such as the 20,000 seater Manchester Arena - but who have outgrown smaller venues such as the Manchester Apollo, capable of holding around 2,000.

The Reebok Stadium, meanwhile, is looking for a series of gigs every summer to boost revenue.

Stephanie Whittingham, conference and events co-ordinator at Bolton Arena, said: "We are looking at staging high-profile events at Bolton Arena and would welcome talks with Bolton Wanderers."

For more details of the Big Light On event, telephone 08704 448744. Sugababes, the Here and Now tour and Jools Holland are playing on July 9, 10 and 11, respectively, while Liberty X, Bond "Shaken Not Stirred" and Michael Ball are playing on July 16, 17 and 18 respectively.