The sale of Reading Football Club is 'progressing' despite worrying news emerging of a 'stop notice' on the sale of the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the Reading Chronicle understands.

Supporters had hoped that positive times were on the horizon, with the club confirming that an unnamed group have exclusivity to purchase the club, stadium and Bearwood.

The Guardian dropped a bombshell on Royals supporters on Thursday afternoon, stating that 'Dai Yongge’s attempts to sell the club are being jeopardised by his failure to repay previously undisclosed debts of more than £55m to a state-backed Chinese bank.'

Going on to say that this caused the collapse of Rob Couhig's attempted purchase over the summer, it states that 'ownership will pass to Haitong Bank if the loan remains outstanding after the club is sold.'

However, sources close to the club have told the Reading Chronicle that although the 'stop notice' is factual, it was not the cause of the collapse of Couhig's deal and is something the current proposed bidders are aware of and working through.

Less than ideal for the club or buyers, it is not expected to derail any current or future attempts to end Yongge's reign in charge of the club.

It is also understood that the EFL are aware of the bidders.

Neither Reading Football Club or the English Football League have commented on the matter.