Carson Yeung’s takeover of Birmingham City as moved a step closer after the Premier League approved his proposed appointment as a director at St Andrew’s.

The Hong Kong businessman’s company Grandtop International Holdings increased their share capital to 81.7 per cent this week with a view to the deal being finalised in early October, with approval now given to Yeung and associate Vico Hui Ho Luek to operate as directors.

A statement from Grandtop to the Stock Exchange read: “The Premier League has confirmed to Grandtop that it has no objection to Grandtop increasing its stake in Birmingham City PLC to over 30%.

“The Premier League has also confirmed that Carson Yeung Ka Sing and Vico Hui Ho Luek qualify for appointment as directors of Birmingham City FC and that their appointment as directors of the club may, so far as the Premier League is concerned, proceed.”