David Gold and David Sullivan are expected to win the West Ham United ownership battle today.

The Sun says West Ham's Icelandic owners had given Malaysian millionaire Tony Fernandes until last night to show he had the £100m to complete his proposed buy-out.

But it is understood the Air Asia and Lotus Formula One team owner has struggled to meet the deadline - opening the door for lifelong Hammers fans Gold and Sullivan.

The ex-Birmingham City owners, who sold the St Andrew's club to Carson Yeung for £85million late last year, had always been favourites to win control.

They plan to buy a 51 per cent stake - with Icelandic bank Straumur, fronted by CB Holdings, keeping the remainder for the time being.