“This is massive" - Pundit reacts to big Reading FC takeover news | OneFootball

Reading have confirmed that they have entered a period of exclusivity with a potential new buyer.

The Royals revealed on their club website that Dai Yongge has committed to a letter of intent with a potential buyer of the club.

Talks will now be underway, with it being reported that a North American investor is looking to take control of the League One side.

It has been a turbulent last few years for the Berkshire outfit, who have been hit with numerous points deductions by the EFL, including being docked six points this season for various financial rule breaches.

Current owner Yongge has become a very unpopular figure at Reading, leading to protests from supporters urging him to sell his stake in the club, with an end point now potentially in sight.

Carlton Palmer gives Reading takeover verdict

Carlton Palmer has praised the effort of the Reading players amid all of the off-field distractions, highlighting their pursuit of League One survival.

He believes a sale is vital for the club, and is optimistic that there is now light at the end of the tunnel for supporters.

“Reading are in 18th place in League One, even with all the points deductions, the players and all the distractions off the field, the reported sale of the training ground to their near neighbours, they’re currently in 18th place, six points outside the relegation spot,” Palmer told Football League World.

“The players are doing fantastically well with all the distractions, three wins in their last six games.

“It’s just keeping them outside, they’re doing really well, but there might be some light at the end of the tunnel now with exclusivity being given to North American buyers.

“This is massive, massive, great news for Reading Football Club, they’re hoping there will be no more points deductions and they can stay in League One and get new owners to help the club push on.

“It’s vital that new owners come in and it’s vital that the club stays in League One and kicks on next year.”

Ruben Selles’ side still has seven games left to secure their place in the third tier for another campaign.

The gap to the relegation zone is six points, but rivals below them in the table have played fewer games.

Reading face Northampton Town on Friday afternoon in their next fixture, before taking on promotion chasing Bolton Wanderers, Barnsley and Blackpool in the run-in.

Their clash with Northampton gets underway at home in a 3pm kick-off.

Finally some optimism at Reading

Reading’s players have done well to overcome the off-field issues and the six-point deduction penalty they’ve been handed this season.

Survival is not yet guaranteed, but their recent form is a positive sign that they can stay in League One beyond this year.

The latest development off the pitch is also quite promising for Reading supporters, as a change in ownership is absolutely needed.

The survival of the entire club is at stake the longer Yongge remains at the helm, so fans will be glad to see the back of him sooner rather than later.