Charlton bidders deny West Ham links

Zabeel Investments, the company who have lodged a bid to buy Charlton, have rejected claims they are interested in purchasing West Ham.

Reports at the weekend suggested the Dubai-based group had switched their attentions to the Barclays Premier League club after Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's assets were hit by the financial turmoil in Iceland.

Gudmundsson was a major shareholder in Iceland's second-biggest bank, Landsbanki, before it was nationalised last week.

That led to suggestions that Gudmundsson could be forced to sell the club, but Zabeel today maintained they were not interested in buying the Hammers.

The group lodged a bid for Charlton on Friday and have insisted they are committed to buying the Coca-Cola Championship side.

In a statement released to PA Sport, a Zabeel spokesperson said: "There is no truth to media reports that Zabeel Investments made an approach to West Ham Football Club yesterday.

"Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach on its behalf.

"Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to comment further at this stage".