Southampton have today announced that there has been a change to their ownership structure, but insisted that it will be business as usual on the south coast.
Saints owner Katharina Liebherr confirmed that a deal with Chinese father-daughter duo Jisheng Gao and Nelly Gao has been completed, with reports claiming the pair will take an 80 per cent stake in the club worth £230million, report the Liverpool Echo .
But despite this change at the top at St Mary's, Swiss owner Liebherr insists Ralph Krueger and the management team, which includes Les Reed who is a key player in their transfer negotiations, retains full trust of both herself and the Gao familiy.
That seems to dampen hopes of boardroom instability at St Mary's surrounding the investment, which could have aided Liverpool's pursuit of Virgil van Dijk.
Southampton had threatened to report the Reds to the Premier League over the summer because of an alleged illegal approach to their Dutch defender.
Liverpool remain keen to sign van Dijk and are waiting for an indication Southampton are willing to sell.
The Saints insist van Dijk is not for sale despite the player's transfer request last week.
In a statement announcing the deal, Liebherr also reiterated the club's intention to build, rather than dismantle, the current side.
“I am pleased to confirm that talks to bring in a new partner to our club have been concluded,” it reads.
“Following extensive and fruitful work, we are entering into a partnership with the Gao family and I am excited about what we will achieve together.
“Today is the start of a new and exciting chapter for our club. Mr Jisheng Gao and his daughter, Mrs Nelly Gao, with whom I have built a close relationship, share our values and ambitions.
“As a team, we will strive to build upon the strong foundation that is in place towards sustainable long-term success.
“Mr Gao, Nelly and I have full trust in Ralph Krueger and his management team. We wholeheartedly support their plans to follow the Southampton Way in the years ahead.
“But for now it is business as usual at Southampton Football Club and we must allow everyone at the club to focus on the first few weeks of the new season.
“I would like to thank the passionate supporters of the club for their ongoing loyalty and faith, and I look forward to seeing you soon at St Mary's.”