Southampton say the club is owned by Gao Jisheng, not Chinese state

A Southampton spokesman has denied that the club is part-owned by the Chinese state, according to Sky Sports.

Saints majority shareholder Gaio Jisheng sold 30% of his Lander Sports business for a reported £148.5m in February.

The Financial Times reported that a state-owned company bought that 30% stake, leading the Premier League to seek clarification on what impact that has on Gao’s ownership of Southampton.

However, Gao’s Lander Sports company was not used to buy the 80% ownership he has of Saints, instead using a UK-based company named Lander Sports (UK) International Investment Co Limited.

Sky Sports say the Southampton spokesman confirmed Gao is the sole shareholder of the above UK company used as a vehicle to buy his stake in the club.

Confusing, right?