Southampton are latest club set targeted by Far East investors as China’s largest investment bank lines up £225million bid for Premier League side
SOUTHAMPTON are set for a megabucks takeover bid from China’s largest investment bank.
Swiss owner Katharina Liebherr rejected a £180million offer from rival Far East firm Lander Sports Development last month– with the bid reportedly falling £90m below asking price.
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Southampton – who play Manchester United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday – are seen as one of the most attractive takeover options in England.
Two other Chinese companies and an American investor are also understood to be interested in the South Coast club.
The Liebherr family bought Saints for just £14m in 2009 after they were placed into administration and oversaw consecutive promotions from League One to the Premier League between 2010 and 2012.
The club's famed production line of young talent and shrewd moves in the transfer market have since help them become firmly established in the top flight.
Annual turnover is set to hit £105m this season – with industry experts valuing the club between £160m and £220m.
Katharina inherited the Saints in 2010 after father Markus’ shock death from a heart attack.
She confirmed in January that she was open to a ‘potential partnership’ with investors.
But it is reported state-owned CITIC are looking to gain full control and are ready to present launch their £225m bid once Lander’s period of exclusivity expires at the end of the month.
They are part of the group which also includes CITIC Capital who, along with China Media Capital, purchased a 13 per cent stake in Manchester City for £265m in December 2015.
Prem rivals West Brom were also sold to Chinese billionaire Guochuan Lai last year, while Championship side Aston Villa are owned by Dr Tony Xia.
Italian giants AC Milan are also on the verge on a Europe’s biggest-ever Chinese investment after a £622m deal was agreed this month.
China is also investing heavily in its own domestic game with Super League sides splashing billions of pounds on a global stars in a bid to raise the profile of the game.
United and England captain Wayne Rooney is on the verge of an incredible £1million-a-week move to a CSL side this before the end of this month.