West Ham were named by the London Legacy Development Corporation as the preferred bidder for the Olympic Stadium on December 5 last year and the pair have been in talks since then as they look to agree a deal over the £429 million ($691 million/€528 million) venue.

Mayor of London and Legacy Company chairman Boris Johnson claimed last month that there have been "positive talks" and Gold now says the agreement could be completed by the end of next week.

"I think we're close," Gold said.

"It's only what I'm being promised.

"As we speak I'm being promised March 16.

"We would sign the agreement then."


The 76-year-old stressed that date was not set in stone after the potential agreement - that would see West Ham move to the stadium in 2016 - suffered late glitches before.

"I'm embarrassed because I've tweeted ten times that it's going to be next week or next month and here's a date," he said.

"The date comes and goes and then I give another date.

"But I think we are close."

Negotiations with the Legacy Company have included talks on West Ham's share of the costs of converting the London 2012 venue.

Retractable seating is set to be installed for West Ham matches although the conversion costs are set to be around £160 million ($260 million/€200 million) and the Legacy Company wants West Ham to contribute a significant amount.

"We will only go there if it is fit for use," Gold said.

"I won't go there if I have to look over a running track.

"But I believe we are in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Let's face it, they've built a stadium - albeit wrong shape and size.

"Most Olympic Stadiums have failed because they haven't embraced the legacy.

"Athletics needs football to support it, there's no other way."

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