Carson Yeung, almost certain to become the new owner of Birmingham City, is confident that his ownership will make the club the most popular Premier League side in the world's most populous country.

China, which Infront chief executive Philippe Blatter has identified as potentially the most lucrative market in world soccer, has become an increasingly important target for Premier League marketing campaigns. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Hull City all visited the country this summer, while Sheffield United have gone even further, launching tie-ins with Chinese clubs and sponsoring the Hong Kong FA Cup.

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However, Yeung and his company, Grandtop International, believe Chinese ownership of Birmingham will immediately make it the frontrunner in captuing the Chinese public's imagination.

"We will become the first Chinese owners of a club in the Premier League. Our business will be idolised. We will be bringing glory to the Chinese people," said Vico Hui, chief executive of Grandtop International, to the Daily Telegraph.

"China has a huge market. We will try to promote the business. We may talk to the management about swapping players between China and the UK to improve Chinese football technique."

However, Hui is well aware that the biggest challenge facing Birmingham this season will be to cement its place in the Premier League, having won promotion last season. He added: "Birmingham is the second city in the UK. The stadium has a good location near the city centre, and the council has plans for a new stadium. This is also a very attractive business, financially. We are going to make sure Birmingham remains in the Premier League. That is our major priority."