The Dubai company Zabeel Investments today denied they had made a bid to buy the English Premier League's "crisis" club West Ham United.
According to UK media reports, Zabeel, believed to have assets under management of Dh21billion (US$6bn), have been in talks with the current West Ham owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who was last week removed as the chairman of Iceland's second biggest bank, Landsbanki, after they went into receivership.
The East London club denied they are for sale, but - because of Gudmundsson's financial situation - media speculation has suggested that the club he bought two years ago for £85million (Dh544.7m) are looking for new owners.
In a statement sent out last weekend, Zabeel Investments said they were in negotiations with another London club, Charlton Athletic, who play in the Championship, but reports today alleged they had now turned their attention to the east side of the River Thames.
But in a statement released today, Zabeel said there was "no truth" to the reports that they made an approach to West Ham Football Club.
"Zabeel Investments has not approached any club since it made an indicative offer for Charlton Athletic last Friday, nor has it authorised any approach on its behalf," the statement read. "Zabeel Investments has had no contact at any time with Amanda Staveley.
"Zabeel Investments is currently in the due diligence phase of its offer to Charlton Athletic and it is therefore inappropriate to comment further at this stage," it added.
sports@thenational.ae
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
Red Sparrow
Dir: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
