Former Wigan Athletic chairman involved in 'imminent' Reading takeover

Former Latics chairman Talal Al Hammad is understood to be involved with the group close to taking over at Reading

Reading are reportedly close to being taken over by European-based hedge fund Genevra Associates - a group which includes a very familiar figure for Wigan Athletic fans.

Talal Al Hammad - who was the Latics chairman during the Phoenix 2021 Ltd ownership - is understood to be involved in brokering the deal, which the Reading Chronicle are reporting as imminent.

Why block of five fixtures will 'shape our season' - Wigan Athletic boss.

Exclusivity is believed to be around the corner, which would pave the way for a much-needed change in ownership for the Royals.

Dai Yongge has been in discussions with a number of potential bidders since putting the club up for sale in October.

It's unclear how involved Al Hammad would be if and perhaps when the deal is concluded.

Latics are due to travel to Reading two days before Christmas Day.

Ironically, Latics’ relegation from the Championship was secured at Reading last season, in no small part due to the points deductions and off-field carnage which led to the former owners handing over to Mike Danson over the summer.

Al Hammad has been approached for comment.

A statement from Reading fans’ group ‘Sell Before We Dai’ received the news with ‘cautious optimism’.

"Reports that Reading FC is on the brink of signing an exclusivity agreement with Genevra Associates ore a welcome development, and we greet the news that Dai Yongge is close to selling with cautious optimism,” the statement read.

"We implore all sides to work tirelessly and in good faith to reach an agreement that benefits the Reading FC community as a whole - not just the individuals exchanging vast sums of money.

"Ever since Genevra Associates were first publicly mentioned in relation to buying the club, they have been in contact with fans via the Supporters' Trust at Reading (STAR).

"This is a welcome change from what we've been used to under Dai, but it will not absolve them of scrutiny.

"We will continue to pressure the club and investors to be as transparent as possible with fans and start to undo the culture of silence curated by Dai's appalling stewardship.

"Lastly, we call on the EFL to succeed where they have failed so many times before, including when Dai bought the club back in 2017.

"Reading fans are watching. football fans up and down the country are watching.

"Now is the time for them to prove their tests con be part of the solution to football's ownership problem.”