Co-owner and majority shareholder David Sullivan is unwilling to sell West Ham United as he wants to hand the club over to his children, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest news on a potential West Ham takeover?

PAI Capital ended their bid to takeover West Ham last month, although the consortium maintain they remain interested if current owners Sullivan and David Gold are keen to sell.

It comes after the current owners insisted they will not sell the club to PAI Capital.

The consortium claim they saw a second bid for the club turned down last month and it has become clear that Sullivan and Gold have no interest in selling.

Reports suggest the initial bid had been worth more than £400million.

It came as a blow after PAI Capital had already struck a deal with the London Legacy Development Corporation which would have seen the consortium take ownership of the London Stadium if a takeover had been successful.

Enter Giveaway

Enter Giveaway

PAI Capital had also gained the backing of former Hammers defenders Rio and Anton Ferdinand as they looked to buy the club, while ex-striker Tony Cottee publicly confirmed he was in support of the takeover bid.

What has Paul Brown said about West Ham's future?

Brown claims Sullivan, who owns 51.5 per cent of the club and is the majority shareholder as well as co-owner alongside Gold, has no interest in ever selling West Ham.

Brendan Rodgers REJECTS Newcastle?! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

The journalist believes Sullivan has set his sights on passing his share of the Hammers onto his children instead of cashing in.

Brown is certain Sullivan's children will play a bigger role in how the club is run as time goes by.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think David Sullivan's long-term plan is he wants to hand it over to his children, who are more and more involved in the club as time goes by."

How have Sullivan's children been involved behind the scenes?

Sullivan and Gold gained ownership of the east London club in January 2010, taking over from CB Holding.

Sullivan's son Jack was appointed as West Ham United Ladies' managing director in 2017 and the move drew criticism from supporters.

Jack became Britain's youngest football boss in the process and it was during his reign that the Hammers' ladies team reached the Women's FA Cup final for the first time only to suffer defeat at the hands of Manchester City.

He stepped down from his role earlier this year, ending four years in charge.