If Sheikh Jassim ‘considering buying West Ham instead of Man United’ if Qatari’s takeover bid is rejected by Glazers it is news to West Ham.

Spanish outlet El Pais has claimed he has his sights set on West Ham in the event he misses out on Man Utd.

According to the report, Qatar Investment Bank – headed up by the Sheikh – are now “beginning to assess other entry options in the Premier League.”

It adds: “Their first alternative is to buy West Ham, which together with Tottenham, is the club with the most fans [stadium capacity] in London. “West Ham guarantees a full house every weekend.”

Club insiders insist there has been no approach, enquiry or offer from any middle eastern group so it is pure speculation at this stage.

Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is part of the ruling royal family who have a collective net worth estimated to be at around $335billion (£275bn).

Reports of Qatar takeover of West Ham date back to 2016 with the Qatar Investment Authority often linked

The QIA is a sovereign wealth fund located in Doha, the capital of Qatar. It was founded back in 2005. It was founded by the state of Qatar in order to strengthen the country’s economy. By having a separate wealth fund, the country can indirectly involve itself in other forms of business, such as owning a successful sports team.

It is not dissimilar in principle to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund which purchased Newcastle United.