Czech billionaire 'set to buy 27% stake in West Ham United'

A Czech-based billionaire is close to agreeing the purchase of a 27% stake in West Ham United, according to a report.

Confirmation of the transaction could be officially announced at the beginning of next month, before the Hammers lock horns with Liverpool at the London Stadium on November 7.

According to Sky Sports News, Daniel Kretinsky is in advanced talks to acquire just under a third of West Ham's shares, which would value the club at between £600m and £700m.

The report also states that the deal is expected to include an option for him to take full control of the club in the future and, if completed, would bring to an end to David Gold and David Sullivan's ownership, which began in 2010.

Kretinsky, who is the owner of Czech giants Sparta Prague, is the largest shareholder in Royal Mail and the second-largest in Sainsbury's.

The 46-year-old, nicknamed the "Czech sphinx" in the business world, also owns assets in industrial, energy, media and retail sectors, and his net worth is believed to be around $4bn (£2.9bn).