Champions Cup final - direct from Devon?

Portugal connection could be in place

A new ferry service connecting Devon to Portugal could be ready by the time the all-England European Champions League final is played there at the end of the month.

European football bosses switched the final from Turkey, which is on the government's 'red' list of travel restrictions to Porto, a destination British travellers are allowed to go to without quarantining on return.

The match between Chelsea and Manchester City is due to take place on Saturday 29 May.

Earlier this week, and entirely separately Brittany Ferries said it was planning a service between the UK and Portugal - and Devon is being considered for that route.

A Plymouth - Porto service would be the third European country served by the ferry operator, in addition to Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain.

The company wasn't able to confirm the route when Radio Exe asked - it's understood Portsmouth is in contention instead of Plymouth, but they expect to make an announcement next week and say that yes, it will be in place in time for football fans to make the match.

UPDATE: On Friday, Portugal extended its 'state of calamity' until 30 May at the earliest, making fans' attendance at the match uncertain. That's the day after the Champions League final.