BEIJING - A top official from eastern China was named Friday to replace the mayor of Shenzhen, who was sacked amid allegations of corruption, state media said.

Wang Rong was nominated by the ruling Communist Party to take over the running of the thriving southern city, which borders Hong Kong, a day after Shenzhen's mayor Xu Zongheng was fired, Xinhua news agency said.

Xu's sacking followed state media reports that he had been placed under investigation this week for "serious disciplinary violations," an allegation that often leads to criminal corruption charges.

Wang, 51, was transferred from his post as the top Communist Party boss of Suzhou city in eastern China's Jiangsu province, Xinhua said.

The government and party have refused to provide details of Xu's case or his alleged wrongdoings.

But Hong Kong and mainland Chinese news reports have claimed he is being probed for links to Huang Guangyu, China's second richest man. Huang was arrested earlier this year on suspicion of financial crimes, including manipulating the stock market.

Huang's arrest led to investigations of Chen Shaoji, the chairman of a political advisory body in Guangdong, and Wang Huayuan, the head of the disciplinary department in eastern Zhejiang province, state press said earlier.

According to the China Daily, Xu was also being investigated for alleged bribes he paid to Chen in an effort to ensure his promotion.

Chinese media reports have said he is suspected of accepting bribes and kickbacks in assorted land deals in Shenzhen, one of China's most prosperous cities.