The plan has been revealed by Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, who has written to British Culture Secretary John Whittingdale about the proposal. 

“It’s at an early stage, but I’ve written to the Government staking Liverpool’s intention to consider hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games," Anderson told the Liverpool Echo.

“I am ambitious for the future of our city and I think we have an enormous amount to offer including a track record of delivering big-ticket events and a brilliant sporting heritage.

“But we’re also a city with a window on the world and I think multi-national, multi-ethnic Liverpool reflects the values of co-operation and solidarity that now lie at the heart of the Games.”

Anderson, who is seeking re-election on May 5, believes hosting the Commonwealth Games could have the same positive impact on Liverpool as it did on neighbours Manchester in 2002 and Glasgow in 2014.

"Should I be returned as Mayor, my team will begin an assessment of the assets we have in place, plus the potential sites, finance and key infrastructure needed to successfully host the event," Anderson told the Liverpool Echo. 

"Following this, I would welcome an early meeting with you to discuss our prospective bid and seek your guidance around the process for awarding the designation.

“Liverpool could carry out an assessment of the assets we have in place, plus the potential sites, finance and key infrastructure we would need to successfully host the event in order to start conversations with Government.

"Those conversations would include the cost of the Games and how much Government would contribute.

“There are never any guarantees with these bids, but we will be pushing hard to make our case and I am seeking a meeting with the relevant Government ministers to begin the process.”

Both Manchester and Glasgow are considered to be among the successful Commonwealth Games' in history.

Sporting legacy from Manchester 2002 included the British cycling team who inherited the Manchester Velodrome and went on to win eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics and another eight gold medals at the 2012 Olympics, partly attributed to the availability of the facility.

Manchester City Football Club inherited the City of Manchester Stadium and are now among the world's most successful and richest teams.

The Games are also widely credited with helping pave the way for London's successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. 

A report published last year by the Scottish Government to coincide with the first anniversary of the Opening Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 revealed that it contributed £740 million ($1.2 billion/€1.1 billion) in national gross value added and £390 million ($609 million/€554 million) to the city between 2007 - when it was awarded the event - and 2014.

Liverpool could face stiff competition if it bids, however.

Wales is considering mounting a nationwide campaign, while Edmonton in Canada could also bid again having dropped out of the 2022 race due to the falling oil prices.

Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea may also bid for 2026 after hosting a highly-successful Pacific Games last year. 

The 2022 Commonwealth Games were awarded to Durban, the only city left in the campaign following Edmonton's withdrawal. 

The 2018 Commonwealth Games are due to take place in the Gold Coast.