West Ham ownership saga takes fresh twist as Amanda Staveley plots second route | OneFootball

Amanda Staveley is not ready to give up on her attempts to buy into West Ham

Amanda Staveley is planning a second route into West Ham ownership if Daniel Kretinsky blocks her bid to buy the Gold family’s stake in the club.

According to Claret & Hugh, the former Newcastle United minority shareholder is not ready to walk away from her attempt to get involved with the London outfit.

It first emerged earlier this summer that the 53-year-old is keen on becoming a shareholder at the London Stadium.

It was reported that she is keen to buy the 25.1 per cent stake owned by Vanessa Gold, with a deal agreed between the two parties.

However, Kretinsky has pre-emption rights as part of his position as an existing owner of the Championship side.

And it’s been claimed that the Czech businessman is looking to block Staveley from completing the deal by making use of those pre-emption rights.

Amanda Staveley’s West Ham ownership plan

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It’s believed that Staveley is not ready to give up her attempts to purchase a stake in West Ham, and is willing to negotiate with David Sullivan for his shares.

It’s understood that any bid to purchase Sullivan’s stake in the club could take some time to complete, but that won’t stop her and PCP Capital Partners from continuing their efforts.

Kretinsky reportedly will have pre-emption rights again if any deal between the two parties is agreed, but that it won’t be as straightforward to block the agreement on this occasion.

The Czech businessman is expected to purchase the Gold family’s shares, which will prevent Staveley from buying the 25.1 per cent stake in the Hammers.

But Sullivan currently holds 38.8 per cent of the club, which offers Staveley another route into the Championship side.

And it’s been reported that Kretinsky will have a harder time blocking this move, as he wants to avoid owning more than 50 per cent of the Irons, and it’s also considered unlikely he’d match Staveley’s valuation of this 38 per cent.

How West Ham fans feel about the ownership situation

West Ham fans are concerned that the ownership situation is taking on too much focus behind the scenes at a crucial point for the club, suggesting it has become a clash of egos.

However, some supporters are convinced that Staveley is someone that can bring the team forward if she becomes involved.

Meanwhile, others are less convinced by Kretinsky, and feel that a shake-up could be beneficial to the London outfit long-term.

West Ham return to action this weekend with a home clash against Charlton Athletic on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

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The ownership situation at West Ham could drag on for some time

If Kretinsky is going to purchase Gold’s stake in the club, then that will at least make things a little more straightforward behind the scenes.

He will own around half of West Ham, and Staveley can focus her efforts on purchasing Sullivan’s stake in the Hammers.

But it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to walk away from the Championship side at this stage.

This is an important time behind the scenes at the London Stadium, and the long-term direction of the club will be dictated by which party ultimately comes out on top with control.