Southampton are on the verge of a Chinese takeover after reaching an agreement with Lander Sports Development.
The Chinese company announced in a statement to the Shenzhen stock exchange that an agreement has been signed with Saints owner Katharina Liebherr, according to Bloomberg.
Financial terms have not been disclosed but it is understood that a controlling stake will cost as much as £200m.
Southampton are yet to comment on the development, which would bring to a head months of talks and increase the Chinese influence in British football.