Alan Hutton has been left stunned as Leeds United plan to expand their stadium capacity to 55,000, as reported by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Fans begin to return to their rightful home

As Leeds United prepare for 2021/22, they will be looking to maximise all available avenues to improve on their impressive ninth placed finish last time out.

Marcelo Bielsa will be excited to gain an edge on their rivals through additions to the playing squad.

Advantageously, the permanent return of fans in Premier League stadiums next season also looks increasingly likely, as Wembley gets set to host 60,000 supporters for the EUR0 2020 semi-final and final contests [BBC].

The Whites had previously been permitted to host 8000 supporters in their last home match of the 2020/21 campaign at home to West Bromwich Albion [BBC].

Now, the Elland Road faithful could be set for even bigger developments regarding their match-day experience, something even ex-pro turned pundit Hutton has been buzzing about.

The Latest: Hutton has his say on 'absolutely brilliant' Leeds United plans

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider regarding a potential uptake in stadium capacity to 55,000, he said:

“That’d be special. That’s the only thing I can say, that’d be special.

“It’s a special stadium anyway, I think the fans are absolutely brilliant. They sing from minute one to 95. They always back their team and to pack even more fans in there, I think will be incredible.

“It’ll be incredible to go and see. It’s an iconic stadium for me, growing up with the likes of Woodgate, Robbie Keane, all those guys that were there.

“The fans have always backed them all the way. To make it even bigger with even more fans in there, it’d be some experience to play there.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Huge boost for Leeds if it happens

Elland Road contains a raucous atmosphere at the worst of times, which would only multiply with more supporters in weekly attendance.

This would also give the Leeds United players a lift in times of need, as vocal backing from a wall of Whites supporters would be a mouth-watering prospect to perform in front of; something Hutton eloquently points out.

All things considered, there is no reason to suggest why this would not be a beneficial move for Leeds United, in the immediate and longer-term, both on the pitch and in terms of finances behind the scenes, as football continues to deal in an uncertain financial climate due to the pandemic.

In other news, a pundit has tipped Kalvin Phillips to join one of the biggest clubs in the world.