Simon Jordan opens up on what he's heard about Turki Alalshikh buying an English football team and names the two clubs he's interested in

Saudi Arabian billionaire Turki Alalshikh is interested in purchasing an English football club, according to Simon Jordan, who says the boxing chief has opened up on his two preferred choices.

Alalshikh, who is the chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority and controls some of the biggest fights in world boxing, is actively exploring the possibility of purchasing a team in England.

Earlier this month, the 43-year-old sparked speculation over a potential takeover of London-based Championship side Millwall, when he shared and commented on the club's social media post.

And now, former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has appeared to confirm Alalshikh's interest in buying Millwall, while also naming the recently-relegated Southampton as a club of interest.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan was asked if rumours about Alalshikh and Millwall were true. "No it's not talk, they are interested because they've told me," he said.

"I've told him and tried to talk him out of Millwall because I don't think it's a proper football club, but that's a different discussion. But it is Millwall, and he likes Southampton."

Turki Alalshikh alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and UFC president Dana White. Image credit: Getty

Jordan also revealed that he suggested Championship side Sheffield Wednesday to Alalshikh, but the Saudi adviser turned his nose up at the idea. "He doesn't want Sheffield Wednesday," Jordan confirmed.

"He doesn't want a club in the north. He wants a club in the south. And Millwall and Southampton are the two clubs that he thinks are interesting to him. It's not me breaching confidence - he's asked me to say that."

Alalshikh, who has an estimated net worth of $2.8 billion, has history when it comes to football ownership.

He was the owner and president of Spanish second tier side Almeria until this month, when ownership of the club was transferred to Saudi investment group SMC on May 16. He also owned Egyptian club Pyramids from 2018 to 2019, and served as Saudi Pro League side Al-Taawoun’s honorary president.

Championship clubs and at least one Premier League team have approached Alalshikh seeking investment, according to Sky Sports, Thoughts on the speculation? Let us know in the comments.