David Sullivan's immediate plans for West Ham shares as sources speak out

David Sullivan's plans after leaving West Ham have been shared.

The 77-year-old announced that he would depart the London Stadium club on 6 June.

He stepped down from his role as joint-chairman immediately as a result of a BBC Panorama and the Times investigation into alleged historic behaviour.

The former Birmingham City owner still has 38.8 per cent of stakes in the club, despite resigning from his position on the board.

A report from The Athletic on 8 June now claims that he is open to selling that stake, and provided an update on his immediate plans.

What are David Sullivan's plans for West Ham shares?

The report claims that sources have spoken out and revealed that Sullivan will not transfer them to his sons, David and Jack.

It states that they will have little involvement in the running of the club going forward, but that scenario could be revisited if he can't sell the stake.

It is understood that Karim Virani, who joined the Hammers in April as interim chief executive officer, will take charge for now.

Why Sullivan exit can't be the focus for West Ham

West Ham can't afford to let the chaos distract them too much heading into a pivotal summer.

They need to try to keep hold of the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Crysencio Summerville, while also adding quality to the squad.

An immediate return to the Premier League must be the outcome of the season, there is no other acceptable conclusion for anyone involved.

Sullivan's exit, while it may have been what supporters wanted with prominent protests against his and Karren Brady running of the club last season, threatens to completely derail the E20 club's summer plans.

The concern about where his shares will go, who will buy them and what the impact of that will be can wait, the focus has to be fully on getting out of the Championship.

These things will all be sorted in the background, but they can not be allowed to be front and centre, taking away from vital measures such as bringing new players in and raising funds.

If they are, it will signal that it may well be another rough season for supporters in East London.