Latest takeover round-up as Reading Women future threatened by failed bid

Reading Football Club remain locked in talks with interested parties as the protracted takeover of the club drags into its 10th month.

First put up for sale in September 2023, parties have come and parties have gone as the supporters continue to rally for the end of Dai Yongge's seven-year reign of destruction.

Unfortunately, this shows no sign of ending in the immediate future as negotiations remain underway with multiple parties, including former Wycombe Wanderers chief Rob Couhig, and no agreed deal is in place heading into July.

READ MORE: Reading Women failed takeover bid casts doubt on future

This comes as news breaks that the Reading Women side look set to plunge into amateur divisions after a potential deal for just the female set-up collapsed late in the negotiations.

Still on the cards as of Thursday, the FA gave the Royals every chance to prove it had funding in place to remain in the Championship, but talks broke down in the 11th hour and the interested party walked away.

This means that the women's first-team side, who twice finished fourth in the WSL in the last decade, face demotion at least two steps and the youth set-up could be closed, leaving hundreds of young girls without a club.

Despite this, the club continues to fight month-to-month as salaries were paid on time and in full. HMRC were also satisfied on time and in full.

The Reading Chronicle have requested a meeting with former CEO Nigel Howe, who has been placed in charge of the sales process.

Supporters Trust at Reading, who have regular contact with Mr Howe, have promised to keep supporters updated.