West Ham takeover deal nears conclusion

New owners are set to take over at West Ham - and the successful bidder may be announced on Monday.

Lotus F1 team boss Tony Fernandes has been a front-runner, although former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan are also in the hunt.

Finance firm Intermarket and Italian Massimo Cellino are the other known interested parties.

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola, whose future may hinge on which bid wins, has hinted an announcement is imminent.

There have been conflicting reports about who is in pole position to gain control of the east London club, with the water muddied by interested bidders agreeing to sign non-disclosure agreements.

West Ham have effectively suspended any activity in the January transfer window until the takeover situation is resolved.

"These players, this team, they deserve to be helped. Stability for the club would be massive. Right now we can't do anything we just have to wait for something to happen with the club. Once we know where the club is going, then we have a chance" he said.

The Italian indicated that he hoped the takeover would be resolved on Monday.