Exclusive: West Ham targeted by mega-rich Saudi Arabia fund amid Newcastle doubts
The Saudi Arabian-backed consortium that has been in talks to buy Newcastle United may switch attention to taking over West Ham, Football Insider understands.
The Gulf Nation's sovereign wealth fund have held detailed discussions over the last month about buying Newcastle for £340million but no deal has been agreed.
City sources have told Football Insider there are growing whispers the Saudi group could target a sensational takeover of West Ham instead.
Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have become as deeply unpopular with Hammers fans as Mike Ashley has at Newcastle.
There is an increasingly toxic atmosphere at the London Stadium, and many supporters are furious at what they feel are broken promises from the board as the club face a fight to avoid Premier League relegation.
Sullivan and Gold, who own around 86 per cent of West Ham between them, took over in 2010 after selling Birmingham City.
Their valuation of the club is likely to be way in excess of the £340million Ashley is said to want for Newcastle.
West Ham are also an established Premier League outfit with a huge fan base, but their London location and impressive financial performance are very attractive to potential investors.
The Hammers also have a more valuable squad than Newcastle and invested further in it in January, with £22million Jarrod Bowen the headline signing among three new recruits.
Ashley has made no secret of his willingness to sell Newcastle, but remains fixed on a certain valuation of which he will not budge.
The Sports Direct tycoon wants £340million to relinquish control of the club and is yet to receive a firm offer.
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