China's largest investment bank are preparing a massive offer for the Southampton Football Club.
The Daily Mail is reporting that CITIC Securities are set to make a £225million bid to buy the south coast club from Swiss owner Katharina Liebherr.
It is understood that the Chinese bank will make a formal approach once the period of exclusivity with Lander Sports Development expires at the end of February.
Lander had agreed in principle to purchase a stake of Southampton but it is believed that the deal has hit a snag due to stock-exchange listing rules.
This has given CITIC the impetus to attempt to fully gain control of the Saints from the Liebherrs and negotiations have taken place in London with British-based mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Blackbridge Cross Borders acting as an intermediary for the Chinese group.