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Americans in takeover talks
West Ham United, 13:04, October 18, 2009 ,
West Ham could have new owners by the new year if an American consortium involving several Hammers fans is successful with a takeover.
The Intermarket Group - headed by Wall Street mogul Jim Bowe - are believed to have entered in discussions with the club about a £100m deal to bail out the cash-strapped Londoners.
It's understood they plan to be in control by January to allow manager Gianfranco Zola to wheel and deal in the transfer market.
Bowe, a former head of the New York Board of Trade, told the News of the World, "My colleagues and I have been approached by the consortium with the aim of buying West Ham in its entirety.
"We are not interested in just taking on the debt, or securing a percentage. We want to get West Ham back on track for the upper echelons of the Premier League.
"We want what the fans want and there is no restriction on us as to how we achieve that aim. We are in the early stages of our discussions with the club.
"But we are optimistic that we can develop a proposal that will benefit all parties. The best deal is the deal where everyone feels that they've won.
"The consortium comprises West Ham supporters who have made serious money in the City, the United States and elsewhere and who see the potential in the club, its fanbase, academy and playing staff.
"The people involved have the money required, and, more importantly, the right sentiments. They have no interest in interfering with the playing side of things, but they will make money available in the January transfer window.
Former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold have already expressed an interest in buying the club but they want the club on the cheap.
Andrew Bernhardt, chairman of CB Holdings, the company that runs West Ham will clearly look more favourably on this approach by Bowe which promises the Hammers some stability after an uncertain 18 months at Upton Park.