Olympic Stadium move for Hammers closes in

BBC Sport is leading with the story of West Ham’s move to the Olympic Stadium, which is looking more likely according to co-owner David Gold.

Gold has confirmed it could be as early as next Friday when a deal could be done for the Hammers to get the green light to move into the London 2012 arena.

He told talkSPORT: “I think we’re close.  It’s only what I’m being promised.  As we speak I’m being promised 16 March.  We would sign the agreement then.”

Retractable seating would be installed for games involving the east Londoners and Gold has said they will only leave Upton Park for the Olympic Stadium (pictured) if it became a total football stadium.

“We will only go there if it is fit for use. 

“I won’t go there if I have to look over a running track.  But I believe we are in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

The Premier League side have been in regular discussions with the London Legacy Development over the stadium’s future, after they named as preferred bidders back in December.

Other bids included a move for Leyton Orient and a consortium linked to Formula One.

In 2003, Manchester City moved into the City of Manchester Stadium (later renamed the Etihad Stadium) after successful conversion of the venue used for Manchester’s staging of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

West Ham are currently in 12th in the Premier League.

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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