Saints have not entered any fresh formal takeover negotiations, the Daily Echo understands.

As previously reported, Katharina Liebherr’s representatives have been speaking with Chinese firm Lander Sports Development, who were mulling over a possible investment in the club.

However, things have gone quiet on that front, and the Echo understands a deal, while not entirely dead in the water, is looking increasingly unlikely.

News that the club – or at least a significant stake in it – could be for sale has caused other interested parties to consider whether to make a move.

As is common in these instances, a lot of agents and deal brokers have tried to put various parties together - the latest to be linked with a £225m deal being Chinese investment bank CITIC Securities - but as yet there have been no firm approaches and no formal discussions have taken place with any other party.

Liebherr remains committed to Saints, and has always insisted she would only do a deal if it was in the best interests of the club, and one her late father, Markus, would approve of.

In a rare public statement last month she said: “I am writing to you in relation to an announcement made in China today about Southampton Football Club and Lander Holding.

“Please understand that I can only make limited comments regarding this process but I can assure you that any steps we do take will be in the best interests of the club. A potential partnership would need to clear multiple approvals and fulfil strict criteria before being confirmed.

“The Premier League is increasingly competitive; we need to keep moving forward and look to new markets for commercial growth, innovation and to share our journey. Together we have had many years of progression and success, and ensuring this continues is the main focus of any possible partnership.

“I cannot thank you enough for the continued support you give Southampton Football Club, and it makes me so proud to think we will soon be experiencing a major final together at Wembley. I hope you enjoy what will be a brilliant day for our club and look forward to a successful future together.”