HOPES of a swift resolution to takeover talks at Bolton Wanderers are starting to fade, The Bolton News understands.

A group led by a UK-based investor has been in advanced negotiations with owner Ken Anderson since last week, holding talks in London over the sale of his 94.5 per cent controlling stake in the club.

An outline deal had been agreed in principle, and was subject to EFL approval. The lack of progress on final details over the weekend is said to be a concern but talks are set to continue today.

It has also emerged that Anderson engaged with a second prospective buyer from Russia some weeks ago and remains in dialogue.

Anderson has made no secret of his desire to sell to the right person and has reached this advanced stage before, only for the deal to fall down.

The Wanderers owner assured supporters last month: “I am the first to admit that the club needs someone with greater financial resources than l have to take the club forward and l can assure everyone l am doing my utmost to achieve this.”

Wanderers were beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United on Saturday and now sit three points from safety in the Championship.

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Assistant manager Steve Parkin admits the failure land Blades striker Ched Evans was a crushing blow on deadline day “We thought we had managed to do it,” he said.

Evans scored a winner for Fleetwood against Charlton, two days after the League One club had refused to sign paperwork releasing the 30-year-old from a loan spell.

“It doesn’t surprise me, that’s why we wanted to bring him here,” Parkin added. “The lad wanted to come and it was bitterly disappointing for us all but we have to move on from that now. It’s no good wallowing in self-pity, we have got to roll our sleeves.”