AN Oman Football Association chief has confirmed a group of Omani businessmen are vying for control of Reading FC.

The group from the oil-rich Arab state have been linked with a potential takeover for weeks.

Now an official member of the Oman FA has firmed up the rumours in the Oman Times over the weekend.

“Yes an Omani businessman is interested but we do not want to reveal the identity of the individual who is interested as it may hamper the deal,” said the official.

“Once the deal is finalised then we will be able to give more details.”

The group face stiff competition from an American consortium and the ownership saga could rumble on for weeks if not months as Royals look for new investors.

Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich failed to go through with his promise to buy Sir John Madejski’s remaining 49% share, having acquired 51% for around £20 million in May 2012.

It is believed the groups from Oman and USA have both made bids in the region of £40 million for 100% ownership of the club,

Royals boss Nigel Adkins is keen to see the deal go through as quickly as possible in order to spend money in the January transfer window.

Reading moved up to sixth in the Championship table last weekend after hammering Bolton Wanderers 7-1 at Madejski Stadium which included a 21 minute hat-trick from Adam Le Fondre.

Royals travel to Ipswich Town this Saturday (3pm ko).