Genoa are in talks with Chinese investors looking to buy shares in the club ahead of next season.

The Grifone finished sixth in Serie A last season, a position which should have been enough to secure them a place in the Europa League qualifiers, but the club’s failure to obtain a UEFA licence means they will be deprived of any European football next season.

Club president Enrico Preziosi is already looking to return the club to their previous heights after appeals to obtain the licence were rejected and he is now courting new investment.

Sky Sport Italia reports that talks are already underway with Chinese investors to sell a partial stake in the club, thought to be around 30 per cent, which would significantly strengthen the Rossoblu’s financial muscle as they look to compete at the top end of Serie A.

Preziosi has been president of Genoa since purchasing the club in 2003.