West Ham ownership twist on the cards as Jim White details 'interesting development'

Amanda Staveley could yet make a move to buy into West Ham United despite Daniel Krestinsky beating her to the Gold Family shares.

It's been announced that Vanessa Gold has agreed to sell her late husband's shares to the existing West Ham ownership.

It means that Czech billionaire Kretinsky will become West Ham's new largest shareholder, ahead of David Sullivan.

Kretinsky will now own 46 per cent of West Ham, while Sullivan's shareholding increases to 40 per cent Tripp Smith's increases to 11 per cent.

Staveley's consortium had agreed to buy a 25 per cent stake previously owned by the late David Gold, but that opened the door for existing shareholders to take them instead.

However, according to finance expert Stefan Borson, Staveley and co might not be finished with West Ham just yet.

David Sullivan uncertainty keeps door ajar for Amanda Staveley

While Sullivan is still an owner of West Ham and still attending games, he's no longer chairman and is under investigation for allegations about his historical behaviour towards women.

Jim White has suggested that Staveley's attempts to buy into the Hammers are over, but Borson disagrees because of Sullivan's situation.

"Interesting developments at West Ham. Daniel Krestinsky has agreed a deal to become West Ham's largest single shareholder, ending Amanda Staveley's attempt to buy into the club," said White on talkSPORT on Tuesday.

He added: "Stefan, what do you think? Does boardroom clarity bring about on-pitch stability? And what was the Staveley situation all along?"

Borson said: "I don't think we're there yet in terms of knowing we're at the end of the game. If you look at the scenario that we have with Sullivan, he's still under investigation by the police and also the IFR is seeking further information, and they may well decide he's not fit to continue as a director or a significant shareholder of the club.

"If that were to happen, those shares are then in play and you would think the work Amanda Staveley and her consortium have done may well put her in place to bid for those shares.

"I think the likelihood is that we're on the pathway to Kretinsky being the ultimate owner here."

How will West Ham transform under Daniel Kretinsky?

It's clear that Kretinsky wants more control at West Ham.

However, if Staveley can buy shares owned by Sullivan and Smith, her and her consortium would become majority shareholders.

That would be her door into the Hammers.

If that happens, it would be hard to see why Kretinsky would stick around and he might end up selling his stake.

However, for the time being, he's the man who'll be calling the majority of the shots as chairman.

Despite a rocky start, the Irons are now top of the Championship and in good form.

You'd expect them to get back to the Premier League at the first time of asking but so much uncertainty on and off the pitch means it's hard to predict how things will pan out under the Royal Mail owner's leadership.

He's been fairly quiet to start with, which might be a good thing after years of meddling from Sullivan.