Daniel Kretinsky is close to buying a 27 per cent stake in West Ham United, according to reports from Sky Sports.

There is a possibility that it could lead to a full takeover of the club.

Kretinsky is a Cezch-based billionaire, and Sky Sports says that his initial stake purchase is likely to value the club at between £600m and £700m.

If he then takes full control at the Hammers it would end David Gold's time as owner, who bought the club in 2010.

The transaction could be announced as soon as the first weekend of November.

If it occurs it would mark another big-money change in ownership after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund purchased 80 per cent of Newcastle United.

But who is Daniel Kretinsky, and what is his background?

Who is Daniel Kretinsky?

Kretinsky is a businessman who is already involved in the world of football, as he owns Czech top-flight side Sparta Prague.

The 46-year-old is also the Chairman and 94 per cent owner of EPH, a company that mainly invests in the energy sector in Europe.

He owns stakes in Royal Mail and J Sainsbury, with his holding company Vesa Equity Investment Sarl becoming the largest shareholder of Foot Locker last year.

Additionally, he has branched out into owning media assets, such as the Czech News Center, the tabloid Blesk and a 49 per cent stake in Le Monde.