BUYER BID HOPE FOR ROYAL FANS

READING supporters are 'optimistic' that Dai Yongge's controversial reign as owner will soon come to an end.

- John Lyons

Chinese businessman Yongge took over the club, in partnership with his sister Dai Xiu Li, in 2017 and his early years in charge were relatively untroubled.

However, relations with the club's supporters have hit breaking point over the last few years.

The Royals have suffered numerous points deductions, been relegated from the Championship, failed to pay wages on time and had to fend off winding-up petitions from HMRC over unpaid taxes.

It is not only Reading fans who have been frustrated with Yongge's actions in recent times. The EFL have urged him to either fund the club adequately or to make immediate arrangements to sell his majority shareholding.

It looks as though the latter may now finally come to fruition.