Multi-millionaires Massimo Cellino and Tony Fernandes were today both heading for London in a race to buy West Ham.
Cellino, the president of Cagliari and friend and confidante of West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola, is the latest to declare an interest in the beleagured Premier League club.
The 53-year-old, who has made his money from the producing and exporting of cereals, is believed to have made an offer in the region of £62million and will cover West Ham's debts - estimated to be in excess of £38m.
This matches what owner CB Holdings wants from any prospective buyer. Malaysian businessman Fernandes, who owns Air Asia, was also expected in London today for talks with his representatives and Rothschilds, the bank which are handling the transaction for CB Holdings.
Fernandes was rumoured to be looking for a 50 per cent stake in the club similar to other bidders, the David Sullivan/David Gold axis but in a Twitter post today, Fernandes said: "In Luxembourg. Paid Talk. Then to London tonight. Down to 2 bidders for West Ham. New owner needs total control."
Fernandes's comments suggest he now wants total control, rather than a partnership agreement with Icelandic bank Straumur who are the main creditors of former club owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
A fourth bidder, the city-based Intermarket Group, is expected to finalise its bid tomorrow.
