Pardew claims Hammers unruffled by takeover talk

WEST Ham manager Alan Pardew has pledged not to let his players become distracted by takeover talk as they start their countdown to a new season back in the Premiership.

Reports have surfaced of a €100million takeover prospect fronted by a London-based Iranian-born businessman who was recently involved in weighing up a move for shares in Newcastle United.

Kia Joorabchian is thought to be behind a plan by Media Sports Investments who controversially purchased the ownership of top Brazilian club Corinthians last year.