Nottingham Forest’s potential £50million takeover by an American consortium is making good progress and could be completed this month, according to reports.
It is hoped the dealto buy the Championship club - led by former owner of Major League Baseball franchise San Diego Padres John Jay Moores - could go through sometime during the forthcoming international break.
The bid needs to be ratified by the English Football League and an Owners and Directors Test would __have to be passed for Moores, and his long-time business partner Charles Noell.
Completing the deal would finally end the American duo’s search for a British club, following unsuccessful attempts with Everton and Swansea.
It is understood the deal would see current owner Fawaz Al Hasawi relinquish full control of the club and not retain a 20 per cent stake as he had previously suggested.
Since Al Hasawi purchased Forest in July 2012 the club has lurched from one controversy to another under his stewardship, with the Kuwaiti businessman overseeing a succession of managers, late payments of bills to other clubs, agents and suppliers, as well as winding up orders.
Supporters called for him to leave during Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Reading, which was a sixth loss in the last eight league matches and left Forest 20th in the table.
Such form might leave current manager Philippe Montanier, appointed over the summer, vulnerable under the prospective new owners and the Frenchman will be desperate for only a second win in 11 Championship games when his side host QPR at the City Ground this weekend.