West Ham in pole position for Olympic Stadium

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Standard Sport understands that the only remaining obstacle in the club's bid to take over the £537million stadium after 2012 is finance.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company yesterday delayed a decision, expected on Friday, on recommending whether West Ham or Tottenham should be their preferred bidder.

It is understood that the OPLC's board concluded that the two bids were "strong" but wanted more financial details. West Ham's bid is said to be in "far better shape" than previously, with fewer concerns over whether they can raise the capital to become the stadium's new tenant.

But doubts remain over the longer- term viability of the club's financial plan, especially if they are relegated from the Premier League. Accountants are understood to have been called in to examine this issue. Hammers insiders insisted today, though, that the club's co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold have put a personal guarantee in place to cover any shortfall in costs even if the worst happens.

One source closely involved in the decision said: "If you can reconcile an athletics legacy with a financially-sustainable long-term use, like a football club, then that would be squaring the circle."

Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, has been criticised for giving his public backing to West Ham for threatening to cast doubt on the decision process's impartiality. But another source said: "Although it was unhelpful, it's genuinely recognised there are strong legacy arguments for West Ham."

The Hammers want to create a 60,000-capacity arena for football, athletics, concerts and community use.

The club could be loaned some £40m by their local authority, Newham, to help with the plans.

The remaining questions over Tottenham's financial proposals, a joint-bid to build a 60,000 football-only stadium in conjunction with AEG, are said to be minor.

The recommendation of the OPLC board has to be ratified by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Mayor Boris Johnson. They are only likely to go against it if it turned out to be highly controversial.