Eriksson has been out of work since leaving England after the World Cup

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 agent Athole 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, Still said the former England manager is close to returning - although it is unlikely to be in the UK.

606: DEBATE Sven has got a good record at club level, but his teams are so dull. He should be avoided at all costs footy_analysis 606: Have your say

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.

Hammers chairman Terence Brown has publicly backed Pardew but is understood to be keen to end the uncertainty caused by the takeover speculation.