An American consortium keen on buying West Ham United have seen a second bid for the club of £400 million rejected, according to The Guardian.
Reports have emerged over the last week of a new group of US-based investors that are keen to purchase the Hammers amid growing unrest between the current board and the supporters.
The Guardian report that an initial offer of £350 million was knocked back, a second bid of £400 million was also spurned – but the consortium is looking at returning with a third, improved offer.
West Ham fans have become disillusioned with the club’s ownership, whose promises of leading the Hammers into English football’s elite after moving to the London Stadium have clearly not materialised.
The latest frustration for the fans has been the lack of expenditure on new players, with Tomas Soucek’s permanent acquisition the only piece of business since the end of last season.
This has been exacerbated as the West Ham hierarchy opted to sell rising star Grady Diangana to Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion and the club has also cashed-in on fringe players such as Albian Ajeti, Jordan Hugill and Roberto – but not reinvested the money.
The Hammers have a tough run of games in the Premier League coming up and poor performances and results could well add pressure on David Sullivan and his cohort to sell the club.