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Despite turbulence off the pitch, Reading are in the League One play-off places with five games to go Reading have switched talks to an alternative buyer with just under a fortnight left to go until the EFL-imposed deadline for the League One club to find a new owner. The Royals entered an exclusivity timeframe with a potential purchaser back in February as they sought to bring an end to a long-running takeover saga. But that period has expired and the club said on Wednesday they are now in "advanced dialogue" with an "alternative bidder". Owner Dai Yongge has 13 days to sell up or risk the club, who sit sixth in the table despite their off-field issues, being suspended by the English Football League. Last month, the EFL announced Yongge had been officially disqualified under the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test. They originally told the Chinese businessman he needed to sell the club by 5 April but they extended that deadline last week until 22 April. "Negotiations between the parties are proceeding in a professional and positive manner, with full recognition from all concerned of the need to bring a sale of the club to a conclusion for all stakeholders, including players, staff and supporters, " said a statement on the club website, external. American businessman and lawyer Rob Couhig has previously tried to buy the club and said that he would still like to do so. Last month, Yongge attempted to get a court injunction against Couhig, claiming the former Wycombe Wanderers owner was blocking his attempt to sell the Royals. Couhig denied the claim. The club said they are trying to complete the sale at the "earliest opportunity" and expect to meet the deadline, and that wages would be paid in full in the meantime. BBC Radio Berkshire's Reading commentator Tim Dellor: As with so many statements from Reading FC, it's more what it doesn't say that is interesting. "Club representatives are now in advanced dialogue with an alternative bidder", probably translates as, "those doing the deal at Reading FC have reluctantly reopened negotiations with Couhig, because the previous bidder lost patience with the mess". The priority for most fans is to see the back of Yongge. Anyone will be better than the man who has run the ship to within inches of the rocks. The sale process over the past year became more and more farcical - and Couhig, rumoured previous bidder Robert Platek, and several other innocent bystanders have been caught up in the shambles. As we approach what we all hope is the end of this sorry saga, Yongge must go down as among the worst football club owners ever. After eight years of turmoil, Couhig or anyone else, will bring some much craved stability. Football latest: Spurs news conference with Ange Postecoglou Unstoppable? Wall to blame? Keeper at fault? Rice's free-kicks analysed Ex-snooker champion Dott charged with child sex offences Three optimistic siblings with one terrible secret A gritty crime saga set in Liverpool starring Sean Bean The device that is taking over people's kitchens Kyle Walker talks about leaving Man City to join AC Milan Why Emery seeks redemption on PSG return Which Lionesses helped their Euro 2025 case - and who didn't? 'He's the chosen one! ' - the rise of Lamine Yamal. Video'He's the chosen one! ' - the rise of Lamine Yamal Is Tsunoda an improvement on Lawson? F1 Q&A Watch: Cerci hat-trick as Germany thump Scotland. Video Watch: Cerci hat-trick as Germany thump Scotland 'We need the Masters' - Augusta's adversity after Hurricane Helene The last time I confess my real feelings - Humphries We watched every Premier League manager - here's what we found out Ex-champion Langer braced for 'emotional' Masters farewell 'I'd love team built around him' - who should Man City keep, or sell? 'We would love to see more spectators' - was Grand Slam Track a success? 'Blessed' - From tennis prodigy to basketball star How Verstappen stole Suzuka with Mc Laren stuck in 'rabbit hole' Ovechkin beats legend Gretzky's NHL goal record 'We must avoid that record' - how it all went wrong for relegated Saints Tearful Mullins savours career peak after National success with son Masters - dates, tee times, favourites & how to follow on the BBC Should female footballers play on different pitches? Shirts, sponsors and bad blood: how Trump's tariffs might affect sport Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.