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Eriksson link to West Ham denied Eriksson link to West Ham denied
(about 2 hours later)
Sven-Goran Eriksson's agent has denied the Swede is being lined up as the next West Ham boss after he met two men who are seen as key to a possible buy-out.Sven-Goran Eriksson's agent has denied the Swede is being lined up as the next West Ham boss after he met two men who are seen as key to a possible buy-out.
Eriksson dined with Eli Papoushado, who wants to finance Kia Joorabchian's bid, and agent Pini Zahavi in Israel.Eriksson dined with Eli Papoushado, who wants to finance Kia Joorabchian's bid, and agent Pini Zahavi in Israel.
But Eriksson's agent Athole Still told The Guardian: "It was an absolutely private dinner and was not in any way connected with West Ham Football Club." But Eriksson's agent Athole Still told BBC Five Live: "It is absolute rubbish. West Ham was not even mentioned in the time they were together."
Eriksson is ready to return to work after leaving his England post in July.Eriksson is ready to return to work after leaving his England post in July.
Joorabchian is coming under pressure to announce whether he intends to pursue his takeover at Upton Park.Joorabchian is coming under pressure to announce whether he intends to pursue his takeover at Upton Park.
The Iranian-born businessman declared his interest in buying out West Ham in September but so far a bid has failed to materialise.The Iranian-born businessman declared his interest in buying out West Ham in September but so far a bid has failed to materialise.
However, Joorabchian was seen as instrumental in bringing Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to the club this summer.However, Joorabchian was seen as instrumental in bringing Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to the club this summer.
Joorabchin (right) brought Mascherano to Upton ParkJoorabchin (right) brought Mascherano to Upton Park
He has also reportedly lined up financial backing from Israeli businessman Papoushado, who could supply a large share of the £100m he needs to try to acquire the club.He has also reportedly lined up financial backing from Israeli businessman Papoushado, who could supply a large share of the £100m he needs to try to acquire the club.
Papoushado met Zahavi and Eriksson at the weekend before going on to meet Joorabchian in London.Papoushado met Zahavi and Eriksson at the weekend before going on to meet Joorabchian in London.
Zahavi, who set up a meeting between Roman Abramovich and Eriksson when the Russian took over at Chelsea, is understood to be coordinating Joorabchian's takeover plans.Zahavi, who set up a meeting between Roman Abramovich and Eriksson when the Russian took over at Chelsea, is understood to be coordinating Joorabchian's takeover plans.
It is purely coincidental that he was with someone, who may or may not be behind an offer for West Ham Sven-Goran Eriksson's agentAthole Still
However, Eriksson's agent Still insisted the meeting between Eriksson and Papoushado was a private matter.
"It is ridiculous to make these assertions," Still said. "Sven was in Israel at the personal invitation of Eli.
"It was a purely private visit to see Maccabi Haifa playing. It is purely coincidental that he was with someone, who may or may not be behind an offer for West Ham."
Although Still denied Eriksson is being lined up for a role at West Ham, the former England manager wants to return to management.Although Still denied Eriksson is being lined up for a role at West Ham, the former England manager wants to return to management.
The Swede has been linked with Benfica and Inter Milan but has been out of work since stepping down from his England post after the World Cup.The Swede has been linked with Benfica and Inter Milan but has been out of work since stepping down from his England post after the World Cup.
"Sven is very keen to get back into football," said Still.
"If a club had the financial muscle to get into the Champions League then a deal could be done."
West Ham boss Alan Pardew is facing increasing pressure after he saw his team slide to an eighth straight defeat on Tuesday - against Chesterfield in the Carling Cup.West Ham boss Alan Pardew is facing increasing pressure after he saw his team slide to an eighth straight defeat on Tuesday - against Chesterfield in the Carling Cup.
Hammers chairman Terence Brown has publicly backed Pardew but is understood to be keen to end the uncertainty caused by the takeover speculation.Hammers chairman Terence Brown has publicly backed Pardew but is understood to be keen to end the uncertainty caused by the takeover speculation.
Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson has also launched a £75m takeover but West Ham have yet to respond to his bid.Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson has also launched a £75m takeover but West Ham have yet to respond to his bid.