According to the Guardian, an American consortium saw a £350 million bid for West Ham rejected in August. However, the consortium has said it will step up efforts to secure a takeover via an improved offer.
The report states the potential buyers based their bid on the proposed £300 million takeover of Newcastle by a Saudi Arabian consortium.
However, David Sullivan – majority shareholder owning 51.5% of the club – doesn’t want to relinquish control.
The American bidders have been told the Hammers aren’t for sale, although Sullivan raised the possibility of them purchasing a minority stake.
Tensions around the east London club have boiled over recently.
Supporters have been less than happy at the lack of transfer business, whereas there was fury when academy graduate Grady Diangana was sold to West Brom.
Club captain Mark Noble even weighed in on the situation, expressing his own unhappiness at the winger’s sale on Twitter.
The situation wasn’t helped by the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in their opening Premier League fixture.
As a result, some Hammers fans may be delighted to hear the American bidders aren’t relenting in their efforts to secure the club.
The Guardian states a fresh bid is expected in the next month.
However, the potential buyers will need to account for the fact David Gold and majority shareholder Sullivan face financial penalties to the taxpayer should they sell the club before 2023.
It is believed the fresh offer will be a figure large enough to soften that blow.
This is definitely one to keep an eye on.
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