Reading boss Ruben Selles believes the protracted takeover of the club 'is not far away from being complete'- but warns supporters that it is not done until it's done.

The Royals have been on the market for almost 12 months and have come close to being taken over on multiple occasions, but a buyout by former Wycombe Wanderers chief Rob Couhig is closer than ever on the eve of the opening day of the season.

Seven years of decline under Dai Yongge, and a particularly harsh year in which bills, fines and wages went unpaid, has left a once optimistic fanbase fearing for its very existence.

However, movement in company records and a less-than-subtle social media message from Couhig has got fans' tongues wagging over a potential end to the off-field drama in Berkshire.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Birmingham City, Selles said: "I am getting indications, but it is not easy. For anyone coming into the club, you have to analyse every detail because you are buying a business, and you need to know how it is run and where you need to put the money.

"I have constant conversations internally and with the people from the process and as I understand it is not far away from being complete. There is always the risk, until it’s complete, that it doesn’t get complete. I think it is going to happen."

So what is it that Selles is yearning for, if and when the deal goes through? New players? A pay-rise?

No, it's one word. Calmness.

"It is not surprising [how long it is taking.] With all the things that have been going on, we expected that even this would not be as easy as it should be or as easy as it looks. We wait and hope that it can happen sooner rather than later.

"I think we have been in almost all of the stages our situation allows, so maybe I am wrong, and we can go to one more chapter but hopefully we are close to opening a new chapter for the club and getting some calmness."