David Gold’s family have agreed to sell their 25% stake in West Ham United to a consortium led by Amanda Staveley, but the deal could face a challenge from existing shareholder Daniel Kretinsky. His representatives said they are considering using pre-emption rights, which could allow current investors to buy the shares before an outside purchaser, potentially disrupting the proposed sale.

Vanessa Gold said the consortium includes Staveley, her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, PCP Capital Partners and Ashland Forest Capital Partners; completion is still pending. Kretinsky’s earlier attempt to acquire the stake reportedly collapsed after discussions that could have raised his holding from 27% to 43%, above David Sullivan’s 38.8%; Gold said the new investors could help return the relegated Championship club to the Premier League.