West Ham United confirmed they have been involved in exploratory takeover talks.
However, the east London club insist there is 'no contractual link' between any potential takeover and the sensational signings of Argentina internationals Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.
West Ham issued a statement to the Stock Exchange in the wake of speculation that the transfers would pave the way for investment vehicle Media Sports Investment to take a major stake in the club.
The statement read: 'The board confirms that it has had exploratory discussions in relation to a possible bid but these discussions are at a very early stage and there can be no certainty that an offer for West Ham will be forthcoming.
'The board also confirms that there is no contractual link between the signing of the players and the bid discussions.
West Ham would not confirm who they have been in talks with.
MSI, who owned both players after buying them for their previous club Corinthians, had been investigating a possible takeover bid last summer.
