Gianfranco Zola has lifted the pressure off West Ham United owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.

The People says Gudmundsson, believed to have a 95 per cent stake in the club that was bought for £85m, is considering selling after the economic meltdown in Iceland wiped an estimated £230million off his personal fortune.

Gudmundsson appears before Icelandic courts next month following his axing as chairman of Landsbanki when it was nationalised.

West Ham's value has increased as a result of manager Zola turning around its fortunes, with a run of eight matches unbeaten before last week's defeat by Manchester United.