Southampton's sale is expected to be decided this week.

The Daily Echo says Premier League bosses could deliver a make-or-break verdict on Saints' potential £200m Chinese takeover in the next week.

A top flight panel is due to rule whether Lander Holdings boss Gao Jisheng has passed the fit and proper persons test.

If Gao gets the thumbs up then he will be able to push ahead with his plans to buy an 80 per cent stake in Saints from Katharina Liebherr.

If the verdict goes against him then there is the prospect of a messy battle involving teams of lawyers and the possibility the deal will be shelved, with Saints then looking elsewhere to secure investment in the club.