Southampton boss Claude Puel unaware of takeover talks
Wednesday 2 November 2016 16:59, UK
Southampton manager Claude Puel says he does not know anything about reported Chinese interest in a takeover of the club.
Reports emerged on Wednesday which stated that the owners of the Premier League side were holding talks with a Chinese company.
Chinese ownership of English teams has been significantly on the rise of late following takeovers of West Bromwich Albion, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City.
However, speaking ahead of Thursday night's Europa League clash with Inter Milan, Puel said that talk of a takeover was news to him.
"I have no idea about the situation," said Puel, who replaced Ronald Koeman at Southampton in the summer. "I give all my confidence to the president and the people at the club to do things in a good way."
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Midfielder James Ward-Prowse conceded that Southampton's recent success - the club finished sixth in the Premier League last season - made them natural candidates for investment.
Ward-Prowse said: "It's the first I have heard of it, but it is a great club, a worldwide club, so of course there is going to be world interest."
