The Chinese government is believed to be behind a bid for Liverpool Football Club.
According to the The Times, London, China's overseas investment arm China Investment Corporation (CIC), is funding the bid fronted by sports tycoon Kenny Huang.
The debt-laden club, one of Britain's biggest sporting names, is expected to change hands this month.
Neither CIC nor Huang was available for comment, but insiders said that CIC could end up owning the majority of the club if the consortium's planned bid -- which values Liverpool at between £300 million and £350 million -- is successful.
Meanwhile, Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi, is also said to be in the final stages of negotiations to buy the Premier League club as are India's richest man Mukesh Ambani and billionaire businessman Subrata Roy .
Kirdi said in a statement that agreement had been reached "on all major terms including the purchase price, repayment of the existing bank debt... and financing of a new stadium in Liverpool's Stanley Park.
"A formal purchase agreement between the parties is in the final stage of negotiation."
The Indian business tycoons tabled their bid for Liverpool nine months after failing to buy a 51 per cent share in the Anfield outfit.
Sources said there are potential buyers who have declared interest in the club but haven't tabled a bid, whereas Ambani and Roy have put money on the table.
