Chinese state-owned firm Everbright are eyeing a stake in Liverpool F.C but have yet to make an official bid, according to reports.
The Financial Times names Everbright and another firm, PCP Capital Partners, as the parties considering a bid of around £700m.
And although reports suggest an initial offer has already been made, the club’s Chief Executive Ian Ayre claims no talks have yet taken place.
“There is no bid and we have no ongoing investment discussion of any kind with anyone,” Ayre said.
The club is currently owned by the USA’s Fenway Sports Group, who completed a £300m takeover in 2010.
The size of the stake which the firms are pursuing has not yet been revealed and, although the owners are thought to be reluctant to sell, they will consider any serious offers.
Chinese investment groups have acquired stakes in a host of European football clubs in recent years and are now turning their attentions to the Premier League.
A consortium of investors from the global superpower purchased 13% of Manchester City for over £250m last December, and prospective buyers have been further encouraged by the reduced valuations created by the Brexit vote as well as a rapidly expanding domestic audience.
The nation’s government have also taken a huge interest in the sport, and the Chinese Super League has attracted a host of big names, including Hulk, Demba Ba, Gervinho and Graziano Pelle.
Liverpool are said to be the ninth wealthiest club in world football, with their revenues totalling around £350m, but the rumoured takeover could propel them even further up the list alongside the Manchester clubs, the league’s chief financial powerhouses.
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