The battle for ownership of West Ham United could be heading for the courts.A consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley, who led the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United, has agreed a £150million deal to buy the 25.1 per cent stake held by the family of the late David Gold, in what is being viewed as a first step towards total control.However, current co-owner Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has moved to block Staveley’s approach. According to The Times, Kretinsky is reducing his holding from 27 per cent to below 25 per cent.By doing so, he would then be permitted to buy the Gold stake, given existing shareholders have first refusal, without surpassing the 50 per cent mark – which would force him to buy David Sullivan’s 38.8 per cent stake at what has been deemed an inflated price.However, Daily Mail Sport understands that Royal Mail owner Kretinsky’s attempted coup at the Hammers, who were relegated to the Championship last season, may trigger a legal challenge.There is a view that his sale, to fellow Czech Jakub Havrlant, could violate the rules set out in West Ham’s articles of association and, as such, be unlawful. The battle for the ownership of West Ham United, featuring Amanda Staveley, could be heading to courtRepresentatives for Kretinsky have been approached for comment.It is thought that Staveley’s group, which involves investors from the US, is aiming to take a controlling share of the club which would include Sullivan’s stake. Their offer has valued West Ham at £600million.Should Kretinsky succeed, he may then need to enlist the support of American billionaire Albert Tripp Smith, who owns eight per cent, to control the voting system within the London Stadium boardroom.