American billionaire Paul Allen has been linked with a shock takeover of West Ham United, a story all too familiar to Southampton and Aston Villa fans.
West Ham and Southampton are both battling for Premier League survival while Aston Villa are vying for promotion back to the big time after two seasons away.
The Hammers are in disarray this season with fans revolting against owners David Sullivan and David Gold and their vice-chairman Karren Brady.
Supporters are furious over what they feel are a string of broken promises regarding ambition, transfer spending and the much-heralded move to the London Stadium.
So when Paul Allen, the American billionaire owner of the Seattle Seahawks, was linked with a potential takeover by website West Ham World it caused quite a stir.
Allen, who co-founded Microsoft alongside Bill Gates, also owns MLS outfit Seattle Sounders and NBA team Portland Trail Blazers as part of his privately held company Vulcan Inc.
At present the reports are just speculation but with a net worth of just under £20 billion it is fair to say supporters have being going crazy with excitement.
Those dreams could be shattered, though, after it emerged Allen has also been previously linked with takeovers at both the Saints and Villa… with no foundation.
Rumours of Allen’s interest in Villa were nipped in the bud by the man himself back in 2015 when he issued a statement on his own website saying: “Recent speculation linking me to Aston Villa FC are unfounded.
“I have not indicated interest nor had any discussions pertaining to the purchase of Aston Villa or any other club.”
Eight years prior, Allen, who is listed in the top 50 wealthiest people on the planet, was also linked with a takeover at Southampton, as reported by the Guardian almost 11 years ago to the day in 2007.
However, nothing came of that either.
It remains to be seen whether there is any foundation to the reported interest, but judging by past history Hammers fans should not be getting their hopes up.
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