West Ham are reportedly in advanced talks to sell a 27 per cent stake in the club to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky for around £700million.
Kretinsky, 46, made his money as the owner of central Europe's largest energy company, has large stakes in Royal Mail and Sainsbury's and is also co-owner of Sparta Prague.
West Ham are co-owned by David Sullivan and David Gold, who hold 51.1 and 35.1 per cent stakes respectively.
Sky News reporter Mark Kleinman tweeted on Thursday: 'Exclusive: Daniel Kretinsky, a Czech-based businessman who owns big stakes in Royal Mail and J Sainsbury, is in advanced talks to buy a 27% stake in West Ham United FC at a valuation of around £700m.