Multimillionaire gaming tycoon John Wallis is interested in buying Fulham from Mohamed Al-Fayed, according to tabloid reports this morning.
Hammersmith-based multi-millionaire Wallis, 52, is a Fulham fan and is ready to begin talks with chairman Al-Fayed.
Wallis, who has made his fortune via an online casino business, owns businesses worldwide within the leisure, education, gaming, restaurant and jewellery industries and has casinos in Barbados and Estonia.
An insider revealed: “John wants to 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.
“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.
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 £75-£80 million.
Wallis’ investment is unlikely to be on the same scale as the Russian billionaire up the road at Fulham Broadway.
But Wallis is a serious player and he would aim to stabilise Fulham.
