Selling Pittodrie is expected to help Aberdeen FC net almost half of the total needed for a new stadium.

The club confirmed it is estimated £18 million could be bagged from the sale of the Dons current home.

A further £18m to fund the state-of-the-art complex at Kingsford, between Kingswells and Westhill, has already been identified, leaving between £6-8m still to be found.

Aberdeen started seeking feedback on designs for the project from members of the public yesterday.

George Yule, executive vice chairman at Aberdeen, said: “We will explore all practical funding avenues to finance this important development for the club, AFC Community Trust, the city and region.

“This will include realising value from the Pittodrie site via a sale for redevelopment, which we expect to be in the region of £18m depending on the market at the time of the sale.”

The replacement for Pittodrie would seat 20,000 fans and could feature a new club store, a “red cafe” and memorial garden. It could offer a “day out” experiences for visitors.

The sale of Pittodrie could lead to 350 homes being built on the site and the Dons have applied to be given another three years to submit detailed plans for the development.

Aberdeen were granted planning permission in principle to demolish the ground and build 350 homes in 2011.

In 2013, an application condition was placed meaning detailed plans had to be submitted within three years.

If the extension is granted, the club has until 2019 to put forward detailed plans.