EXCLUSIVE: Fulham takeover bid
FAYED HAS A SALE ON
By David Harrison
FULHAM have been sensationally targeted for a takeover bid this week.
The News of the World can reveal secret talks are being planned between chairman Mohamed Fayed, who owns Harrods, and multi-millionaire gaming boss John Wallis.
Business tycoon Wallis was in the directors' box at Craven Cottage yesterday.
He owns businesses worldwide within the leisure, education, gaming, restaurant and jewellery industries and has casinos in Barbados and Estonia.
An insider revealed: "John will have talks with Fulham in the next couple of days.
"He was born in Hammersmith and has supported the club for over 40 years. He feels he can take them on to the next level.
"It was a very sad day when Johnny Haynes passed away last week. That brought home to John just how much the club means to him.
Pleasant
"He has a very strong background in business management and has a very clear plan of how to take Fulham forwards.
"He was hoping the news wouldn't get out before his meeting with Mr Fayed so I don't think he will be happy to read this.
"They had a very pleasant afternoon yesterday at the match but nothing more can be said at the moment."
Wallis, 52, has made millions from his conglomerate of companies and has expanded rapidly due to the success of his online casino business.
And he is preparing the bid for Fulham using his giant internet firm.
Wallis aims to test Fayed's resolve during the first round of talks.
But one stumbling block could be the price.
A year ago, a Turkish consortium led by brothers Husnu and Halil Falyali failed when Fayed allegedly upped his figure.
He is understood to value Craven Cottage at around £75million.
Fayed is now thought to be ready to give up his controlling interest, knowing he will never be able to compete with West London neighbours Chelsea and their owner Roman Abramovich.
Wallis' investment is unlikely to be on the same scale as the Russian billionaire.
But Wallis is a serious player and he would aim to stabilise Fulham.
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