Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky wants to set up a partnership between West Ham United and Sparta Prague as he begins to make plans.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that Kretinsky wants to establish a developmental link between the two clubs.
That could see West Ham youngsters head to the Czech Republic for first-team experience or Sparta talents move to East London.
Kretinsky has co-owned Sparta for 17 years but is now holding talks to invest in West Ham too.
The 45-year-old wants 27% of West Ham, potentially eating into David Gold and David Sullivan’s 86% stake.
Kretinsky may actually be keen on taking over West Ham completely in the future, establishing full control of the club.
Kretinsky could help West Ham in Hlozek pursuit
If Kretinsky does end up investing in West Ham, that Sparta link could be very interesting.
West Ham have already used the Czech market to sign Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal. Midfielder Alex Kral joined from Spartak Moscow, but plays for the Czech Republic and used to play for Slavia Prague with Soucek and Coufal.
A link-up with rivals Sparta may cause a split with Slavia-leaning Kral, Coufal and Soucek, but it could open up a great transfer opportunity.
Sparta’s prized asset is striker Adam Hlozek, who West Ham have actually shown an interest in signing this year.
West Ham allegedly wanted to sign Hlozek back in April, and he was keen on joining Coufal and Soucek rather than head to Bayern Munich.
No summer deal was done, but West Ham certainly still need another striker to support Michail Antonio in attack.
Hlozek ticks the boxes as a real talent for the future with great pace, and Kretinsky’s plans could give West Ham a real boost in pursuit of him.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
