A POTENTIAL Reading FC takeover by a Chinese brother and sister is thought to be edging closer after the pair met with Football League bosses to discuss their bid, the Chronicle understands.

Dai Yongee and Dai Xiu Li travelled to Preston last week to discuss buying a majority share in the region of 75 per cent from Royals’ current Thai owners.

However, the takeover can only go ahead if the pair pass the standard owners and directors tests.

The duo famously failed in a £130m bid to take over Premier League outfit Hull City earlier in the year, but it is thought they have now turned their attention to the Royals.

The pair already own Chinese football club Beijing Renhe FC, who were relegated from the Super League last season into China League One.

The takeover would mean Sumrith Thanakarnjansuth, known as Tiger, who currently owns 25 per cent, and Narin Niruttinanon, who owns 50 per cent, will remain at the club.

But their influence will be reduced and they will have a much smaller shareholding.

Pairoj Piempongsant was appointed as a new director of the club on November 24 and will remain alongside the current Thai owners.

However co-chairwoman Lady Sasima Srivikorm has decided to sell her entire 25 per cent.

The takeover package includes the Madejski Stadium as well the club’s current training facility at Hogwood Park and the new one at Bearwood when it is built.

However, it does not include the Millennium Madejski Hotel or land near the hotel which is ripe for future development.