Chelsea FC could play home matches at Twickenham Stadium while their ground is redeveloped, with the RFU said to be "very seriously" considering the approach.

The governing body for rugby announced this week it was approached by the Premier League club about using the 82,000 capacity stadium for one season.

The RFU said it would not give too much away as discussions are ongoing, but said they are regularly contacted by organisations interested in using the stadium.

An RFU spokesman said: "We have had an enquiry from Chelsea Football Club but have not had any discussions of any substance.

"While we don’t comment on any specific confidential conversations, each request is taken on its merit, assessing a variety of factors, from the effect on the pitch, availability, transport and local considerations and other important implications."

But a source said the negotiations are further advanced than Chelsea and the RFU are letting on.

A source close to the RFU said: "It is a very serious proposition but they are downplaying it because they know how it works and obviously football fans are very different from rugby fans.

"Normally, if things were going to happen, they would not say anything at all so the fact it has come out shows it is serious."

The announcement has been met with opposition from residents and politicians, with Twickenham MP Vince Cable writing to RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie for clarification.

Dr Cable said: "Football has always been seen as a ‘red-line’ issue by residents.

"I have absolutely nothing against Chelsea - I imagine there are lots of their fans locally - let alone football.

"Many of the old stereotypes from the 1980s about football fans in general and Chelsea in particular have long since disappeared in reality but I think this would be a big, and unwelcome, step."

Deputy leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, said he was alarmed by the proposals and believed if approved, it would put "a huge amount of pressure on the local area".

Borough Commander Colin Kennedy said he had not been contacted directly about it but said the main issue was the impact on the community and police resources.

An online petition, titled 'Stop all talks of renting Twickenham stadium to Chelsea FC', has been set up, with rugby fans and residents raising concerns.

Chris Richards wrote: "This is a rugby ground and do not want it ruined by football supporters".

The Blues announced plans to redevelop their Stamford Bridge home in June and the earliest a ground share could happen is the 2016/17 season.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "We’re investigating different scenarios as part of the consultation process we started earlier this year, but have had no discussions of substance so far."

The RFU previously refused football clubs permission to ground share, with then chief executive Francis Baron citing segregation, traffic and policing issues when Fulham FC enquired in 2001.

For football to be allowed, the stadium's licence would need to be reviewed and a number of inspections carried out.