Tottenham Hotspur Deny Takeover Claims Following New Stadium Delay

Tottenham Hotspur have denied reports suggesting the club has been put up for sale following news the construction of their new stadium has been delayed.

Reports on 11 September suggested owner Joe Lewis was ready to place the club on the market in a bid to attract new investors who are prepared to tackle the financial burden of their new home – which could reportedly cost £400m.

However, the club have moved quickly to dismiss suggestions of a change of ownership, stating: "Contrary to recent press speculation, neither the club, nor its majority shareholder, are in any takeover discussions and the focus of the club is fully on delivering the new stadium project."

It added the club have also hired investment bank Rothschild to assistant in the process of financing the club's move.

Tottenham revealed on Wednesday 10 September they will have to spend a season playing away from White Hart Lane while they await the completion of their new 56,250 capacity stadium.

The club had initially planned to move into the new venue in time for the 2017/18 campaign but a High Court challenge instigated by a landowner on the proposed site has forced the club to delay construction.

Wembley, Brighton's Amex Stadium and stadium:mk have been touted as possible solutions while the club has been encouraged to make an approach to ground-share the Olympic Stadium with West Ham United by the London Legacy Development Committee.

While a temporary arrangement with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium would represent a geographically logical solution to the problem, it is unlikely to be welcomed by both sets of supporters.

And when quizzed on the possibility of a ground share with his side's arch rivals, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was dismissive of such a proposal.

"Geographically, it is a solution but we understand as well it is a very sensitive subject and I don't think it will happen," Wenger told a press conference on 11 September.

"At the moment I must say I have bigger problems to sort out and we have not been questioned about it."