The owners of West Ham will ask an Icelandic court this week to legally postpone banks from seizing their assets and force the sale of the club. Judges at a hearing on March 6 in Reykjavik will assess a three-month extension to a decision made in December that blocked banks from attempting to seize their assets. If the decision is overturned, it could force the club's sale.

Hansa, West Ham's holding company, is controlled by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, majority shareholder of an Icelandic bank seized by government regulators.

"Hansa believes that the progress that the club has been making shows the importance of continued stability," said West Ham vice chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson. "There are alternatives and options. It will in no way effect the club."

It is believed there are between five and 10 groups looking at buying the East End outfit should they come on the market.