The Saints are currently 11th in the Premier League, with eight wins so far

At least two Chinese companies are expected to make formal offers to buy Southampton after a deal involving rival investors stalled.

The Premier League club held talks with Chinese investors Lander Sports Development last month but failed to reach a formal agreement.

CITIC Securities, an investment bank in China, and Amer International are preparing to make formal offers of around £240m, according to news agency Reuters.

A spokeswoman for CITIC Securities told Sky Sports News HQ the "firm was not yet involved in any investment of this kind."

Amer has yet to confirm media reports and Lander has declined to comment.

CITIC Capital was a "consortium partner" with China Media Capital (CMC) when CMC acquired a 13 per cent stake in Manchester City in December 2015.

Premier League 'dual interest' rules prevent the same director and/or company from investing in any English club if they own a "significant interest" in another English club.

It is understood that, providing CITIC does not own 10 per cent or more in Manchester City, it is likely they would be permitted to invest in Southampton, or any other English club, subject to approval.

Last month, in an open letter to fans, Southampton owner Katharina Liebherr said: "A potential partnership would need clear multiple approvals and fulfil strict criteria before being confirmed."

Claude Puel's side will contest the EFL Cup final on Sunday

Southampton are currently 11th in the Premier League after eight wins from 25 games, and will contest the EFL Cup final with Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

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