WANDERERS have informed staff that a takeover has been agreed in principle and that the club could be sold within 48 hours.

The identity of the potential buyer is still being kept a closely-guarded secret but email communication to employees of Burnden Leisure Ltd this afternoon claimed a new owner could be in place by the weekend.

There had been widespread concern among administrative, coaching and playing staff that wages, due on Friday, would not be paid if efforts to sell the club did not progress.

It is understood that all salaries will be paid, provided funds are made available by the potential new owner.

It is not the first time that Wanderers have announced they are at an advanced stage with a buyer - a deal with the Football Ventures consortium collapsed a fortnight ago.

But after stating in the High Court that an agreement was imminent with a party who “already has a major stake in a high-level football club” to secure an adjournment the pressure has been on Anderson and the other secured creditors to secure a solvent deal, or face the prospect of liquidation when they return to court on April 3.