Sullivan keen to keep his options open as doubts continue over Hammers takeover

Thurs 19 Nov 09

Former Birmingham City owner David Sullivan, recently linked with a potential takeover at Carrow Road, is said to have been inundated with offers to return to football.

The adult entertainment magnate can clearly take his pick of several significant football clubs, with West Ham United the favourites.

He has close ties to his boyhood club and Sullivan – thought to be interested in teaming up with his old Blues pal David Gold – has hinted that the Hammers would be his number one choice.

But the 60-year-old, who is back in the market after selling his stake in Birmingham to new owner Carson Yeung, has concerns over the level of debt at Upton Park – said to be as high as £85 million. And Sullivan will be keeping his options open as he looks to secure the best deal.

"I have signed confidentiality agreements with a number of clubs. I am not in a position to comment about any club I might wish to buy," Sullivan told ESPN Soccernet.

While West Ham remain favourites, sources have suggested that the asking price had to drop to £100 million and include the debt to interest any potential investor.

This, in turn, would mean that Sullivan would have to stump up 'just' the £15 million, providing he took on the existing debt.

The Essex-based businessman is said to have offered to take up 50% of the struggling club for free, with a proviso to invest much-needed funds to rescue the club.    Part 2 >>