West Ham co-owner denies Fernandes offer but would welcome investment (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Gold open to talks with Fernandes over Hammers investment

10:26am Thursday 2nd June 2011 in Sport

WEST HAM co-owner David Gold has denied any knowledge of a supposed takeover bid from Tony Fernandes, but he would welcome investment from the AirAsia chief.

Fernandes announced on his Twitter feed: “For all you West Ham fans an offer has gone to the present owners of West Ham. Let’s see if they accept.”

But Gold said: “It’s absolute news to me, I certainly haven’t heard any information regarding this – it’s interesting.”

Gold’s business partner David Sullivan criticised the manner of the announcement, telling Sky Sports News: “We’ve received no offer from Tony Fernandes. We think any serious bidder would make it in private.”

Gold admitted the route taken by Fernandes was a peculiar one, but revealed the pair would be open to talks with the Lotus Formula One team boss about investing in the club.

“We’re interested in finances coming into the club, we welcome that,” he said.

“I certainly would be very happy to sit down with Tony with a view to him joining the board and bringing in desperately needed finance.”