West Ham co-owner David Sullivan: Tony Fernandes wants half the club for ‘two bob’

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Tony Fernandes’ effort to buy West Ham has been rejected by current co-chairman David Sullivan, who claims the Malaysian businessman thinks he can get half the club for “two bob”.

The Lotus Formula One team boss announced on Wednesday he had made a bid for the club, which was relegated to the Championship, on the same day former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was appointed to the Hammers hot seat.

But it was rebuffed by Sullivan, who claimed Fernandes was taking liberties with the offer.

“Tony Fernandes wanted to buy 51 per cent of the club for two bob,” Sullivan told the Evening Standard.

“He thinks somehow that we are desperate to have him involved or desperate for the small amount of money he offered for 51% of the club.

“We are not looking to sell the club but, as we have always said, we would love co-investors to join us in rebuilding West Ham United, which has been our aim ever since we took charge back in January 2010.

“In the event that a serious investor came forward as was the case at Chelsea and Manchester City, we would naturally consider it for the good of the club – but this is certainly not the case in this instance.”

Sullivan’s co-chairman David Gold seemed unconvinced that Allardyce will be able to hang onto the club’s stars such as Robert Green and Matthew Upson after relegation.

“Will he be able to keep our best players? He has got the remit to do so and we hope in some cases he will,” he added.