THE Football Association wants to link the development of the new national stadium in Wembley with a tribute to one of the country's best loved soccer stars, by honouring him with a statue.

The player or manager to be commemorated will be voted for by the public in a national poll when plans for the memorial have been finalised.

With the demolition of the old stadium's famous twin towers expected later this month, the developers have decided to recycle some of the rubble by building the monument, which will stand at the approach to the new stadium.

It is believed that the FA's favourite is the late England and West Ham legend Sir Bobby Moore, who lifted the Jules Rimmet World Cup at Wembley in 1966. Other names suggested include Sir Geoff Hurst who scored England's winning goal against West Germany in that World Cup final; Sir Alf Ramsey, who managed the World Cup winning side, and Sir Stanley Matthews, who played for Stoke City and England. Younger fans may vote for current stars, such as David Beckham.

Nick Barron, spokesman for Wembley National Stadium Ltd, said that plans for the memorial were in the early stages.

"We have discussed building a statue at the new stadium and it is something that ourselves, the Football Association and Brent Council look on favourably," he said. "The aim is to have a statue of a figure who represents Wembley Stadium, who epitomises what Wembley is all about.

"There's obviously the matter of how big the memorial will be and the safety aspects involved, and these are yet to be discussed. When they have been, a sculptor will be commissioned."

While the speculation is that the statute will be of a footballer, soccer was not the only sport played at the old stadium, and Mr Barron said the public might vote for a figure from rugby or boxing, or even one of the rock stars who have played at Wembley, such as Freddie Mercury and Sir Bob Geldof.