Football fans have gone into a frenzy of speculation over reports two World Cup legends are interested in Brighton and Hove Albion.

The news that football giants Diego Maradona and Ossie Ardiles could invest in the Seagulls has created a buzz of excitement.

The Argus exclusively revealed yesterday how the Argentinean duo were interested in investing if the club gets permission for a stadium at Falmer.

Some fans were thrilled by the suggestions, others remained unconvinced the footballers were seriously considering the Albion.

Ardiles, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, is keen to return to the English game.

He and Maradona are looking for a club with potential to invest in. Ardiles's former Spurs team mates Steve Perryman and Paul Miller identified The Albion as a possible candidate.

If Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott allows Albion to build a stadium at Falmer, the Seagulls could be a prime target for more big name investors.

The news has been the subject of feverish debate on the Albion's internet bulletin board North Stand Chat.

Most fans were in favour but there was some concern about Maradona's ability to run a successful football club considering his well-publicised cocaine addiction.

One web site user said: "I wouldn't want him anywhere near the club."

Lifelong fan Andy McClean, 49, of Southwick, said: "To me, Maradona is the third greatest player ever behind Pele and Bobby Zamora.

"A name like that would attract big interest and big players."

Ed Wilson, 28, of Tisbury Road, Hove, said: "I thought it was a joke when I saw the front page of The Argus but thinking about it I'm not surprised people like this want to invest in the club. The Albion have enormous potential if we get our new stadium. We're not used to too much glamour at this club and Maradona and Ossie Ardiles certainly provide that."

Roz South, of Firle, said: "This rumour seems to have more legs than most and is not a wild idea.

"If two legendary football names like Ardiles and Maradona want to be associated with the Albion then surely that says this is a club that's going places."

Falmer For All campaign chairman Paul Samrah said it was great big names were showing an interest in the club but urged caution.

He said: "I'm sure if we get Falmer lots of people will come to the table because there is an opportunity to make money.

"These are two very big headline names but let's be careful not to bite the hand of God without thinking about it.

"We need stability at this club and Maradona has had well-publicised problems.

"We can't have people coming in with the intention of riding on the club for one or two years before clearing out.

"Big names are fine but they are not the be all and end all."

Albion supporters club chairman Tim Carder said: "If it's a genuine interest from genuine football people and they have genuine money to invest then we welcome it.

"If they are looking to make a quick buck then they can look somewhere else."

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is to rule on whether a stadium can be built at Falmer by the end of the month.

Seagulls chief executive Martin Perry said: "The truth is we have had no contact whatsoever with either Ossie Ardiles or Diego Maradona.

"If anyone did wish to invest in the club then the right way to do it would be via a direct approach to the club in a confidential manner.

"But that has not happened, so therefore we know nothing about any of this.