Southampton claimed yesterday that their day-to-day operations will be unaffected after owner Katharina Liebherr sold 80 per cent of the club to the Chinese businessman Gao Jisheng for £210 million.

The Times revealed in June that the Premier League had given Southampton permission for the sale after months scrutinising Gao’s business plan and source of funds, but the takeover was delayed due to difficulties in getting his money out of China.

Gao is understood to have overcome China’s capital controls by buying his stake as an individual rather than through Lander Holdings, his company, which has been negotiating with Southampton for more than a year.

The Times revealed in June that Gao would be allowed to complete the takeover

Liebherr will retain a 20 per cent shareholding and her place on the board, as will Ralph Krueger, the chairman.