Sheikh Jassim could invest in Premier League club to create new financial rival for Man Utd

Sheikh Jassim could invest in a brand new Premier League club after missing out on buying Manchester United this summer, it has been claimed.

Jassim and his Nine Two Foundation withdrew from the race to buy the Red Devils last month following a drawn out bidding war with fellow takeover hopeful Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

United have since accepted Ratcliffe's offer for a 25% stake in the club as part of a staged buyout from current owners, the Glazers.

However, Jassim could readjust his focus to fellow Premier League club West Ham as part of a revenge plot on United.

That's according to The Times, who confirmed that the Hammers' co-owner Vanessa Gold announced she is placing some shares up for sale.

Gold took over a 25 per cent ownership of the club following the passing of her father David in January, and is now looking to sell up to ten per cent of her stake, should the right person be interested.

She said in a statement: “I would consider selling a proportion of our shares to the right partner.

“I have spoken to each of the other three major shareholders at West Ham United, David Sullivan, Daniel Kretinsky and Tripp Smith, who have been very supportive.

“Any transaction to purchase some of our shares will be with my father’s legacy at the forefront of my mind which, of course, prioritises his beloved West Ham United.

“I have appointed Rothschild & Co to advise us on any discussions and will keep the other shareholders, the club and our supporters updated on any significant developments.”

It remains to be seen whether Jassim would be interested in investing in West Ham, having previously been linked with a move to buy Tottenham Hotspur last month.

However, the door is certainly open to an investor with the Qatari's sort of financial power.

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Topics: Manchester United, Sheikh Jassim, Football, Premier League, West Ham United

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno