Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has declared his interest in buying West Ham United.

The Daily Mail says the West Ham takeover saga took yet another twist last night amid reports that Cellino is ready to bid £60m for West Ham and take on a substantial amount of the club's debt, which is believed to be about £80m. He is quoted in the Italian press as saying: "I want to save the team."

Such an offer could prove tempting to West Ham's owner CB Holding, whose major stake holder is stricken Icelandic bank Straumur.

The news of Cellino's interest will please West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola as Cagliari is the club where he ended his playing days. Cellino, 54, has made no secret of his admiration for Zola.

Rival bidder InterMarket claimed yesterday they remain the preferred choice, despite competition from Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes, former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan and now Cellino. Fernandes is also understood to be in the country trying to finalise a deal.