West Ham fans are getting excited at the news that Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is considering purchasing a stake in the club.
According to The Athletic, he is expected to buy a 27 per cent stake of West Ham. The 46-year-old businessman has experience with football clubs, co-owning Czech side Sparta Prague as well as being the current president there.
football.london understands there is genuine interest from Kretinsky for a stake at West Ham, which could eventually see a change of ownership from David Gold and David Sullivan.
If the transaction is completed, the deal is not expected to include an option for the Czech-based businessman to take full control of West Ham after an unspecified period as had been reported.
Though a deal still could take place at a later date that would mean Gold and Sullivan's control of the Hammers coming to an end, any further movement would require more negotiations with the duo who bought the club over 10 years ago.
Kretinsky is not the only party interested in pursuing a deal for the Hammers, but he is currently the one furthest along in initial talks.
Amid reports over Kretinsky’s proposed investment, the value of the club is said to be at roughly £600million, a far larger sum than the offer put in by PAI Capital in the summer.
The news has also shone a light on some already positive arrivals from the Czech Republic. Both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal have shown their ability since joining the club as well as compatriot Alex Kral, who have all won over the Hammers fanbase on arrival.
West Ham fans were quick to react to the news, taking to social media to have their say.
@WHU_AJ: “WINNING IT ALL.”
@BillY_grimmel: “Might be the greatest 24 hours in club history.”
@AbdullahZeb9: “Man them Czechs are saving West Ham. First Soucek and Coufal, then Kral and now this guy.”
@RedersWHU: “I love the Czech Republic.”
@D0WHU: “If he’s anything like the previous Czech arrivals then this can only be a good thing!”
@TheLawless: “He's worth $4b though, not sure that's enough to really take us to the next level but if he has the right intentions and a solid plan to progress the club it could be news for us.”
@Samwhu1: “This is all happening because gedson Fernandes decided to go to Spurs.”
