Reading Head of Football Operations Mark Bowen has issued a long statement to supporters on the state of the club.

Issuing updates on future sanctions and the on-field issues, it is the ownership which has got fans talking.

Up for sale since October, at least four parties have lodged an interest in purchasing the football club.

Progress has been slow, with current owner Dai Yongge satisfy HMRC two months late and ensuring the club were not hit with a winding-up order.

However, former Wales international Bowen has hinted that the sale of the club could be sooner than many think.

"It is also very difficult to speculate on the timescales involved, but I am very positive that this process is now nearing a much-needed conclusion," he told supporters in an open letter. "We are in constant discussion, negotiation and engagement with an encouraging number of individuals who we believe are all capable of making viable takeover bids. The nature of these negotiations, the structure of these potential bids and the identity of these individuals plainly has to remain private for legal reasons and for the benefit of the successful sale of the club. "

Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is the most high-profile name linked with a takeover, landing his helicopter outside the SCL Stadium for talks.