The local consortium seeking to buy West Ham United have hit back at co-owner David Sullivan.

An investor group led by former QPR chief executive Philip Beard made an offer of more than £400million for the Hammers, but saw it rejected by Sullivan.

He accused the bidders of not providing proof they could stump up the money — and now Beard has roundly rejected those claims in a statement on behalf of the group.

"It is necessary to correct unhelpful and inaccurate statements," said Beard. "In response to David Sullivan's comments about the nature and value of the bid put forward by the consortium, I can confirm that a formal offer was made which was in fact the figure that Sullivan had initially asked for.

"Our city lawyers were instructed and David Sullivan was provided with a proof of funds.

"At no point were we asked to produce further information about our football strategy. It was quite clear to me that David Sullivan's sole focus was on price.

"We remain committed to pursuing opportunities to purchase the club."