A US-Saudi-backed consortium, headed up by former Queens Park Rangers favourite Marc Bircham, have renewed their interest in buying Reading, the Reading Chronicle understands.

Bircham, who made over 200 appearances for the West London club and played internationally for Canada, was spotted at numerous Reading matches in the spring as his group looked to purchase the club.

This came at the time as Dai Yongge was looking to sell Bearwood, before progress was made toward the end of the season which secured the club's short-term future.

Knocked back in June, with the club opting to progress with Chiron and latterly Rob Couhig, the consortium have kept their interest and remain keen to purchase the club.

It is understood that they cannot progress as another unknown party are still in a period of exclusivity with the club, however preparations are being made for another bid in case nothing progresses.

As things stand, an unknown party are financially supporting the club while a deal is thrashed out.

This news comes as national reports link Mr Yongge with an unpaid debt to a Chinese bank, with the Select Car Leasing pledged as security.