West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is backing Laurence Bassini's bid to takeover Birmingham City.

The Daily Mail says Sullivan's investment company, Rickleford Limited, have agreed to loan Bassini £33m to buy City from Hong Kong-based owners Birmingham Sports Holdings, who want to sell and are mulling over numerous offers.

Sullivan's loan offer makes clear he would take control of 'the property assets of the club' in the event of a default, raising the prospect of him regaining control of Birmingham 13 years after selling to Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung for £81.5m.

Given the possibility of Sullivan ultimately taking control, any purchase agreed by the EFL would also have to be signed off by the FA - as West Ham and Birmingham both compete in the FA Cup.

The Premier League may also be asked for their views as both clubs could be in the top flight in the future.