Everton Kirkby Stadium
He said: "Anyone can mount a legal challenge but it would have to meet certain criteria. My view is that it would fall at the first hurdle because the Secretary of State's decision is in line with the planning inspectorate's recommendation."
Former Labour chairman and Cabinet minister Ian McCartney said that the "no" verdict would have severe implications for the North West.
The Makerfield MP said: "My wife Ann is a life-long Evertonian and we are both gutted by this decision.
"Merseyside needs investment and everyone knows that if you invest in sports that creates jobs which are desperately needed at any time, but particularly during a recession."
Some Liverpool city-region MPs are themselves considering a last-ditch appeal to sports secretary Ben Bradshaw and business Secretary Lord Mandelson.
