Why West Ham fit the bill as 'distressed asset' amid Amanda Staveley takeover talks

Amanda Staveley is looking to get back into English football with West Ham United poised as a potential candidate.

The Hammers have faced plenty of movement at board level already this year, with both Karren Brady and David Sullivan stepping away from their roles.

Daniel Kretinsky is now the focal point of West Ham's board, with the Czech businessman vowing to remain.

However, amid talks of Staveley's interest, there could certainly be plenty of more changes.

With the Irons set for a Championship season, the East London side have become an attractive asset for the English businesswoman.

And Simon Jordan has shared the reasons as to why that is likely the case.

What is the status of Amanda Staveley's West Ham takeover?

Staveley is currently in "exploratory talks" over West Ham as per the Daily Mail, so it is not an advanced deal by any means.

However, the Hammers could be the perfect side for her to take on.

The English businesswoman is looking to purchase a London-based club and has explored the chance to takeover Tottenham previously.

However, that has since become a non-possibility with the Irons next up on her shortlist.

Speaking to Spear's Magazine as relayed by the Daily Mail, Staveley has previously stated she is looking to get involved with a club that "isn’t doing so well, a club that isn’t performing well."

And amid the talks with West Ham, talkSPORT pundit Jordan has shared the reasons he believes the Hammers fit the bill.

Jordan stated: "Well, they just got relegated, haven't they? They've got their former co-chairman stepping down. I mean, much to the delight of the fans, I accept.

"They don't own their own stadium. They're sitting in the Championship with probably a whole raft of players needing to be sold to comply with the governance that's required to be unsanctioned in the Championship.

"So, yes, I think they are a distressed asset."

Now, supporters will have to wait for updates over the result of those aforementioned talks.

But, the Hammers certainly tick many boxes for the 53-year-old.

How long would Staveley likely remain at West Ham if the takeover completes?

Ideally, the West Ham fanbase will want an owner to come in that can help propel the club forward in both the short and long-term

In terms of short-term, Staveley could be that owner.

At Newcastle United, Staveley led talks between Mike Ashley and PIF, a takeover that would ultimately bring the Geordies back into the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2002 in the 2022-2023 season.

However, after achieving that feat, Stavely did not stick around much longer.

Alongside her husband she would sell all of her shares in July 2024, completely exiting from Newcastle.

And in the same Spears Magazine interview, Staveley did mention one of her goals in investment is finding an opportunity where she can "eventually exit."

So, while Staveley could provide some much-needed stability in E20, the likelihood is her potential tenure at West Ham would be over the short-term rather than long.