SAINTS owners Sport Republic are reportedly hopeful of adding two new clubs to their portfolio by the end of the summer.

The Daily Mail report the group are looking to expand on their original purchase of Saints.

Sport Republic completed the acquisition of Saints back in January, obtaining a controlling 80 per cent stake in the club from former owner Gao Jisheng.

Katharina Liebherr retained her minority shareholding of 20 per cent in the St Mary’s side.

The London-based investment firm was founded by Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen and backed by lead investor Dragan Solak, a Serbian billionaire.

Speaking at the time of purchase, Solak, who has been at numerous Saints games along with Kraft and Ankersen said: “We are delighted to be able to complete this acquisition as a first step towards execution of our investment strategy.

"Southampton will be a cornerstone of the organisation we plan to build.”

According to the Mail, Sport Republic are considering foreign clubs in Band Two of the Governing Body Endorsement rules, which were introduced following Brexit.

Band Two reportedly includes the top flights in Holland, Belgium, Turkey and Portugal.

Should Sport Republic add to their investment of Saints, the group could be seen as a similar portfolio to that of City Football Group, involving Manchester City’s owners, or the Red Bull group.