• SAINTS were revealed to be at the centre of a potential takeover bid by Chinese investors.

As the club prepared to take on Inter Milan at St Mary’s in the Europa League, news broke of £200million deal that could see Southampton FC under Chinese ownership.

Owner Katharina Liebherr and representatives of the Lander Sports Development company had held discussions in recent weeks over a potential sale.

The team managed to put the takeover talk to one side to secure a historic 2-1 victory over Inter.

  • TRIBUTES were paid to a Hampshire soldier who died during a firearms training exercise.

Lance Corporal Joe Spencer, of 3rd Battalion the Rifles, died while training at a RAF weapons range.

The 24-year old from Bishopstoke was described as “a good solider and a good lad”.

Defence Minister Mark Lancaster said: “My thought are with Joe’s family, friends and colleagues. We are co-operating with the police investigation and looking into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.”

  • A JET skier who ploughed into the side of a ferry claimed he didn’t see it coming.

The rider was heard saying “Oh no” moments before crashing into the side of the Red Jet 4 as it approached Southampton.

Miraculously the jet skier escaped uninjured as a result of the incident.

There were 45 passengers on board the service but none were injured.

  • POP superstar Robbie Williams revealed he was bringing his latest tour to Southampton.

The international hit-maker announced a summer 2017 date at St Mary’s Stadium on June 6, making him the first artist to grace the pitch at the home of Southampton Football Club since Bon Jovi in 2008.

Rock legend Bryan Adams also announced he would be stopping off in Hampshire as part of his latest global tour.

The Canadian rocker will headline the Ageas Bowl on July 7 as part of his Get Up World tour next year.

  • FRANNY Benali was the latest Saints hero to be granted the Freedom of the City of Southampton.

Since retiring from football, Franny has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The former Bellemoor School pupil said: “It was totally unexpected but I am extremely honoured and proud to have been awarded this great honour.”

Past recipients include Ted Bates, Lawrie McMenemy and General Kitchener.

  • HAMPSHIRE politicians and business leaders were digesting Donald Trump’s sensational victory in the US presidential election.

MPs called for calm and said Mr Trump should be judged on what he did rather than what he said during the campaign while University of Southampton expert Dr Jonathan Hunt said it boded badly for the global economy and trans-Atlantic commerce upon which Southampton’s prosperity as a port city previously relied.

  • A HAMPSHIRE grandmother told how she chased an intruder out her home when he attacked her.

Lorraine Barter, 77, had just come through her front door of her house when she turned around to see a tall stranger standing behind her.

“He grabbed me bag which was around my neck and pulled me so hard I crashed in a cabinet hall and injured myself,” she said.

The intruder fled from the house then Mrs Barter ran after her attacker for a short distance after losing him.

Paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service examined Mrs Barter but she did not require hospital treatment.