FORMER Birmingham City chairman David Sullivan has ruled himself out of the immediate running to buy West Ham United after reports linked him with a £50million deal for the Upton Park club.

Sullivan sold his shares in the Blues to Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung this week, and rumours were rife that he would turn his attentions to the Hammers.

He insisted he would not make a move in the short-term but did not rule out a future approach. He told BBC Sport: “It is very unlikely (that I will approach West Ham). I need a break.

“I'll then have another look to see what's available but nothing is impossible.”

West Ham's owners Straumur are thought to be holding out for a price in excess of £100million, while it is understood that any new owner will have to take on estimated debts of £45million.