Israeli tycoon admits West Ham interest

ISRAELI businessman Eli Papoushado has confirmed his interest in investing in “football projects” with Kia Joorabchian, heightening speculation of a takeover at West Ham.

Joorabchian, the 35-year-old Anglo-Iranian entrepreneur, who facilitated the club’s signing of Argentinians Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, was reported to be looking for partners to help fund his £100m bid, of which £70m is needed to buy shares and £30m to clear the London club’s debt.

Papoushado founded the Red Sea Group in the 1960s and made his fortune through property and hotels.