Reading FC: More takeover news before 14th June could be massive - View | OneFootball

Reading are yet to be sold despite entering a period of exclusivity back in March.

Last week, the Royals revealed that this period of exclusivity has now ended and although they remain in talks with that party, believed to be Chiron Sports Group, they are also in talks with other parties.

This news came as a blow to supporters, who would have wanted to see a sale materialise before now, as the club looks to prepare for the 2024/25 campaign.

However, last week's update could have been seen in one of two ways.

Although it's bad news that a takeover hasn't happened yet, the fact a sale hasn't been completed within the two-month time frame stated potentially suggests that new parties now need to be spoken to if the Royals want to get a sale over the line as quickly as possible.

One party, described as a US-Saudi consortium, are reported to have launched a bid in excess of £30m to purchase the club.

That could potentially speed things up in terms of takeover movement, but it remains to be seen what happens in the coming days and weeks.

Reading FC need more takeover news in the coming days

With official news on the takeover situation sparse at the Select Car Leasing Stadium before last week, the Royals' situation has now become clearer.

Now, there needs to be meaningful progress on a sale in the coming days to increase the chances of the club being able to hold on to their best players, with the transfer window opening on Friday.

The Royals may be forced to sell their best players if they can't find a party willing to pay the bills until a sale happens, with it being unclear whether Chiron are prepared to continue funding the club following the end of their period of exclusivity.

HMRC, other creditors and wages need to be paid and that money will need to come from somewhere, so having financial backing will help to keep key players in Berkshire.

Some of their biggest stars may also want to push for a move away from the club during the early stages of the summer window if there isn't certainty about wages being paid and a sale potentially materialising before the new season.

A sale before the next campaign isn't looking likely at this stage unless there's a considerable amount of movement soon - and that could be enough to persuade some first-teamers to try and force an exit.

Right now, clubs will be viewing the Royals as a vulnerable team and that could persuade clubs to launch bids for some of their best players.

But if there's some positive takeover news in the coming days, there's still a chance that the Berkshire side could keep valuable first-teamers and potentially enjoy a successful 2024/25 campaign.

Reading FC have several players who could attract interest

Tyler Bindon is one player who could attract plenty of interest, with the New Zealand international becoming a regular starter and shining in League One despite the fact he didn't have any prior experience in England before the 2023/24 season.

However, the Royals' attacking players could attract more interest than Bindon, with four players in particular showing their quality last term.

Lewis Wing is one of those players, with his free-kicks, shots outside the box and his passing proving to be a real game-changer for the Berkshire outfit since his move to the SCL Stadium last summer.

Able to sit deep and control games at this level, it wouldn't be a surprise if bids come in for him this summer.

Harvey Knibbs was also a real asset, despite struggling during the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign.

Knibbs struggled in the 4-2-2-2 system as a wide player, but he has been brilliant in a more central position and his energy proved to be crucial in the final months of the season.

Femi Azeez is another player who struggled during the early stages of last term and Sam Smith was injured during the opening stages of the campaign, but both were able to make valuable contributions despite this.

Azeez gained more confidence after his early struggles, with his goal against Carlisle United in November arguably a turning point for him.

Smith, meanwhile, is probably the Royals' only lethal striker option at this point.

Losing any of these players would be a major blow and former Plymouth Argyle target Azeez is particularly vulnerable to bids considering he only has one year left on his contract, so more positive developments on the takeover situation are needed as soon as possible, ideally before Friday.