Report: Chinese billionaire to take over Southampton

Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin wants to take over Southampton, according to a report.

The Mirror claims that China's richest man has already started talks with the Premier League club and will make a bid of £117m.

It has also been reported that Wang, whose property development company - the Dalian Wanda group – is worth £19b, will reappoint Nicola Cortese as the Saints' executive chairman.

The Italian banker stepped down from his post at Southampton last week because of reported disagreements with club owner Katharina Liebherr.

Southampton are currently ninth in the league table with 31 points from 22 matches.