SAINTS are in talks with a Chinese company regarding a potential sale, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Katharina Liebherr and representatives of Lander Sports Development have held discussions in recent weeks as the China based giant aim to get a foothold in the Premier League.

However, the Echo understands that talks between the two parties remain in the early stages, and there is as yet no solid indication over whether there will indeed be a £200m offer to buy the club, potential investment with Libeherr still the majority owner, or nothing at all.

The club has entered a six-week exclusivity agreement with the company and if it cannot come up with a suitable offer then other options will be considered.

For her part, Liebherr is understood to be conducting her own due diligence on Lander Sports Development, and discussing their intentions should any investment come to fruition.

Liebherr inherited the club from her billionaire father Markus in early 2013 and has taken it to heart, regularly flying in to attend Saints fixtures and functions.

The Daily Echo understands that Liebherr, who could have easily sold the club at a substantial profit in the past couple of years, will not do business unless she is convinced it is in the best long-term interest of Saints.

Bloomberg reports that a Premier League team would be one of Lander's biggest assets after the company announced a loss of about $44.8million last year.

Saints had a £12million profit and will benefit from the Premier League's new lucractive TV contact, which is the biggest in history.

The club is known for its ability to produce star players including Real Madrid's Champions League winner Gareth Bale.