SAINTS have declined to comment on a report that the club has been put up for sale.

The claim emerged in The Sun newspaper this morning and comes four months after the death of owner Markus Liebherr.

The story alleges that the Swiss billionaire’s family has decided it wants to offload Saints.

The Daily Echo spoke to a representative of the club, who said they did not wish to respond to the report.

While supporters are understandably keen on receiving an answer over such a major issue, the club reiterated it would not comment publicly when it comes to media speculation.

There has always been a hint of uncertainty over Saints’ future ever since Liebherr passed away in August.

The ownership of the club has never been fully explained since the 62-year-old’s death.

But it is understood that his daughter, Katharina, would ultimately have control, as the rest of his empire has fallen into her hands.

Supporters took to Liebherr with great fondness when he rescued the club from administration in the summer of 2009, paying what is understood to be about £14m to save them.

And there is a certain degree of comfort among fans that the club falls under the ownership of such a business-savvy family.

So there will obviously be concern about the prospect of a sale.

The timing would seem slightly strange, though, so soon after Saints resubmitted ambitious plans for their Staplewood training ground and once again stated their five-year plan to reach the Premier League.

Also, after Liebherr’s death, there were assurances given privately that provisions for Saints’ future had been made.

Ultimately, though, the magnate’s family, and specifically his daughter, will have the final say.