DEAN Holdsworth’s Sports Shield consortium are threatening to withdraw their offer to buy Wanderers, The Bolton News understands.

The company owned by popular former Whites striker has been linked with a takeover since the start of November and looked to be close to agreeing a deal after meeting the financial demands laid down by Eddie Davies.

It is believed Holdsworth’s bid had the backing of board members and a meeting today but now stands on the verge of collapse after some late complications.

Around £6million has been asked up front to cover shareholder loans secured against the stadium, while another £8m had been requested for future investment into next season.

Davies has been looking to sell the club after 13 years at the helm, which included a memorable Premier League spell and two European campaigns.

Despite speaking with several parties in the last few months, his continued dialogue with the Sports Shield bid appeared to make it the most likely to succeed.

But The Bolton News have also learned that the investment company have looked into two other football clubs and could now be willing to walk away in 48 hours after doing all they can to meet what Davies wants.

That would leave the Whites is a serious bind – with a rival Korean-backed bid appearing to receive little boardroom backing.

The newly-formed Supporters’ Trust have achieved astonishing results in a short amount of time but are not yet in a financial position to mount a full takeover, although hybrid ownership similar to that at Portsmouth could be a possibility.

Fans have been clamouring for an end to the saga, which has had a devastating impact on and off the field at the Macron Stadium, not to mention on Davies’s own legacy as an owner.

The Bolton News has made an official request for an interview with the Wanderers board to give some clarity on the situation.