Reading FC in line for takeover by former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig

Reading are edging towards the end of Dai Yongge’s turbulent reign with a much-needed takeover expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The former Wycombe owner Rob Couhig is poised to take control of the troubled League One club.

It is an intriguing move by Couhig, a 75-year-old American businessman, given he stepped down from Wycombe at the end of the past season, months after a move to buy Reading’s training ground collapsed. Couhig sold his 90% share in Wycombe to the Georgian billionaire Mikhail Lomtadze.

Reading have been docked 18 points under Yongge’s stewardship for breaking a series of English Football League financial rules, including late and non-payments. Yongge, who acquired the club with his sister in the summer of 2017, has faced mounting fan pressure to sell in recent months.

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News of Couhig’s expected arrival will be welcomed by Reading, whose manager, the former Southampton coach Rúben Sellés, impressed in leading the club to safety last season. Reading finished 17th, nine points above the relegation zone. Couhig has met Reading staff in recent weeks and is said to be excited by the prospective takeover. Couhig purchased the majority shareholding of Wycombe in 2019 after talks broke down to buy Yeovil.

Reading’s women will play in the fifth tier next season after the club withdrew from the Championship, the second tier.

The EFL declined to comment.