David Sullivan now ready to hand over West Ham United shares as insiders reveal all

David Sullivan is getting ready to enact his exit strategy at West Ham United despite batting away a takeover offer from Amanda Staveley.

After stepping down as chairman of the Hammers earlier this year, Sullivan is now set to lose his status as the club's largest shareholder.

Vanessa Gold is selling her late husband David's shares to existing West Ham owners Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith.

As a result, Kretinsky will now own 46 per cent of the Irons, with Sullivan owning 40 per cent and 11 per cent for Smith.

Sullivan's shareholding is under major scrutiny due to historic allegations about his behaviour towards women, but it seems that the 77-year-old isn't ready to strike a deal with Staveley, who's made efforts to buy into the East London outfit.

Staveley's consortium has also made an offer for Sullivan's shares, but the disgraced ex-West Ham chairman has plans of his own.

David Sullivan's 'dynasty' plans revealed

Former Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on Sunday that Sullivan is in fact looking to hand over his West Ham stake.

However, it is understood that he's only willing to give his ownership to his sons Jack and David Junior.

Writing via his Patreon, Nixon said that "insiders reveal Sullivan will continue to tough it out before stepping aside for his football-mad kids to inherit the throne".

Jack Sullivan has previously been managing director of West Ham Women and along with his brother David Sullivan Jr, is currently a director of the holding company.

Neither are responsible for the day-to-day running of the Hammers.

What does this mean for Amanda Staveley's bid?

If it's true that Sullivan is planning to offload his ownership to his sons, then it looks difficult for Staveley to buy into West Ham.

Kretinsky is close to majority ownership and could look at buying out minority shareholders or Smith in order to get full control of the Championship club.

The Czech billionaire's shares - and that owned by Sullivan - look to be off-limits for the former Newcastle chief, which leaves her with the only option to look into a very small shareholding.

And, ultimately, what's the point of that?