David Sullivan and David Gold are waiting on response from West Ham United over their takeover offer.

The Sun says they were left sweating last night over their £46m bid to buy West Ham.

Their big rival, Malaysian Tony Fernandes, spent yesterday in talks with Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury and Nick Igoe.

Fernandes still has to convince the club's owners, Straumur, that he actually has the money to buy the club, whereas Gold and Sullivan have already put their £46m on the table.

Meanwhile Italian contender Massimo Cellino was back in Italy, still claiming he was in with a chance.

A top West Ham source revealed: "A deal is very close now, it could all be confirmed on Saturday or Monday by the latest. Make no mistake, Fernandes has come to London to buy the club and he's very confident.

"And he's happy to leave Gianfranco Zola running the team and Scott Duxbury running the club, whereas Sullivan and Gold may make changes. But Fernandes must have proof of funds - not that he can raise the money - but that he can actually deliver it to the club.

"That's where Sullivan and Gold have an edge, they have shown their money actually exists. Fernandes is willing to pay more - around £100m - so if he can show he has the money, then it's all over.

"If he can't, then Sullivan and Gold will be the new owners."