Liverpool has expressed interest in hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games after doubts arose over the ability of Durban to carry through its successful bid, according to a report in The Guardian newspaper.

The South African city was the sole bidder for the Games in 2015, but financial constraints means it may have to pull out.

‘We gave it our best shot, but we can’t go beyond. If the country says we don’t have this money, we can’t,’ South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula told Reuters.

Liverpool says it is ready to step in.

‘Liverpool is interested in hosting the Games in 2022,’ a city council spokesperson said. ‘We had heard rumours that Durban might be unable to deliver the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and have already indicated to the Government that we are very willing to host them instead.’

The Commonwealth Games Federation will have to make a final decision before Durban’s bid is officially ended.

Liverpool city mayor Joe Anderson said in August last year that the city was considering a bid for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

‘[Hosting the event] would reflect the city’s growing confidence and expertise in organising large events,’ he said.