19 Nov 2009Sullivan 'could launch Charlton Athletic takeover'

Football Clubs News | Football Finance News

David Sullivan will turn his attentions to Charlton Athletic if his proposed takeover of West Ham United fails to materialise.

According to the Daily Mirror, the former Birmingham City owner is keen to buy the Hammers along with David and Ralph Gold, but the trio are concerned by the rising debt levels at Upton Park.

With the English Premier League club believed to have debts totalling approximately £80 million, the businessmen are considering other options and have identified League One's Charlton Athletic as a possible target.

"They are in ongoing negotiations with a couple of clubs. Sullivan would love to get West Ham United, but has a plan B," a source told the newspaper.

Sullivan and the Gold brothers left Birmingham City last month after selling the club to Hong Kong billionaire Carson Yeung.

Meanwhile, Gordon Thrower of West Ham United fanzine Knees Up Mother Brown has told the Sun that he does not object to Sullivan's plan to buy the east London outfit.

However, he said that fans would "want assurances that his money would only be used to invest in the club and not help pay off the debts".

Written by Paul Roberts

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