A PROPOSED takeover of Saints is said to have been delayed due to the club’s excellent form, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The publication claims Saints owner Gao Jisheng is “using the success of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in going top of the Premier League last month to raise the asking price”.

The St Mary’s outfit briefly went top of the pile in the top flight after a 2-0 victory over Newcastle ahead of the November international break.

Saints are in talks with American businessman Joseph DaGrosa regarding a potential £200million takeover of the club, according to a report by the Daily Mail back in September.

When asked about the reports at that time by the Daily Echo, the club declined to comment.

The Mail now claim the DaGrosa “made it clear he was not willing to increase his offer on the basis of a handful of impressive results”.

DaGrosa is formerly the owner of Ligue 1 club Bordeaux and was linked with a bid for Newcastle United last year.