Departing Birmingham chief David Gold is set to spearhead a three person takeover of debt ridden West Ham, and a formal approach is set to be tabled this week.

With the formalities of Asian tycoon Carson Yeung's £80million takeover of Birmingham City all set to be completed this week, Gold has elected to reject the chance to stay at the club as an executive chairman.

Instead he will front a bid that will involve two of the other exiting Birmingham bosses - David Sullivan and Karen Brady - to try and gain control of Gianfranco Zola's struggling West Ham. The Hammers have started the season poorly, and find themselves in the relegation zone.

To add to their woes, there is a mountain of debt at the club, and a fire sale of some of the club's major stars such as Matthew Upson is almost certain to take place in January.

But Gold, and Sullivan both have long term interest in the Upton Park outfit. Gold, 73 was even once on the youth team books in East London, and there have been previous unsuccesful approaches by the duo to try and wrestle control of the club.

The timing seems to suit currently however. A one time, non-negotiable offer is set to be tabled by Gold and co. after the astute businessman had a rethink following a recent statement that he wouldn't renew his interest in the toiling club, given his previous failed attempts at a takeover.

“West Ham will always have a special place in my heart. They didn’t want us before and I wasn’t particularly planning to go back, but you never say never.”