FINANCE company Intermarket's proposed takeover of West Ham has been hit by the death of their chief executive officer and bid figurehead Jim Bowe.

The 59-year-old launched the reported £100million bid for the Hammers in October, and company owner David Byrne has admitted the tragedy could affect their ability to meet Rothschilds Bank's 'close of business' deadline on Wednesday, according to BBC Sport.

Byrne told the BBC: “I believe we're offering the best package as well as guaranteed funds for this transfer window.

“We are the only party prepared to sign a 10-year commitment to stay at the club.

“We will do all we can to take West Ham into a prosperous future off the pitch and a successful one on it.”

Intermarket are one of three parties interested in buying a stake in West Ham. Former Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan are believed to have made an offer to buy the club, while Malaysian entrepreneur and Air Asia tycoon Tony Fernandes is also thought to be keen.

However, it is believed that Intermarket's offer is the highest on the table at present, and Byrne vowed to see it through for Bowe.

“Jim had been my friend for two decades,” Byrne added. “We worked on deals together and it had always been my ambition to work with him in the same company.

“We had many plans for the future. West Ham was the first of them. His death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us to carry on and give it our all.

“If we win this race (to buy West Ham), it will all be because of, and for, Jim.”