Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal in talks over stake in legendary Premier League club

BASKETBALL star Shaquille O’Neal is in talks about taking a stake in West Ham United.

The LA Lakers legend, 52, got the Hammers bug after watching a game last season and has said he is interested in becoming a shareholder.

Shaquille O’Neal, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2002, is looking to invest in West HamLUCY NICHOLSON/AFP via Getty Images

Shaq is said to have got the Hammers bug when he went to watch West Ham playGETTY

A source told The Sun: “Shaq loves British football and he has been talking about putting some serious cash into the club.

“He went to a game at the end of the season and loved it. It’s now a case of whether the financials stack up for him.

“Shaq is really interested in what deal he could strike.”

The Hammers finished ninth in the Premier League last year, a year after winning the Europa Conference League.

Fans will likely be delighted with some investment after making a £18.3million loss in the 2022/23 season.

New boss Julen Lopetegui took over from David Moyes last month. 

Shaq retired in 2011 and was regarded as one of the best centres in the world.

The 7ft 1in ace played for six teams during his 19-year career and is a four-time NBA champion.

Off the field he turned to commentary and previously revealed he harboured a secret passion for British football.

In 2016 he backed Northampton Town when they were pushing from promotion from League Two.

Shaq, who co-owned a radio show with the Cobblers’ chairman Kelvin Thomas, recorded  a video for the players  urging them to secure  first place.

If Shaq invests in the Hammers he would be the latest US star to put their fortunes into British clubs.

Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney own Wrexham FC, Anchorman star Will Ferrell is involved at Leeds, and NFL star Tom Brady at Birmingham City.