Peterborough United owner, Darragh MacAnthony, has labelled British businessman Mike Ashley 'the best owner Reading could have' amid talk that the billionaire could take over the club.

Ashley, the Sports Direct magnate who had a decade at the helm of Newcastle United, is in talks to buy the club from Dai Yongge.

Two of his branded helicopters were seen at the SCL Stadium, as were his executives last week, with Director of Football Operations Mark Bowen.

One of a few parties interested in buying the club, his interest has caught the eye of supporters and neutrals alike.

MacAnthony, who has had nearly 20 years in charge of Peterborough, raved about the prospect of Ashley purchasing the club when he appeared on TalkSPORT alongside former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan.

"Mike Ashley will save them, and he’ll be the best owner they could have," he told Sam Matterface. "Mike Ashley will take Reading to the Premier League.

"I told Mike Ashley, he was in my office when we played them in the League Cup, I said ‘Mike, you’re a great guy and we’ve had fun here tonight. You need to let the fans see this and be transparent, what your plan is and spend a few quid.’ It’s not going to work like you run your business.

"I honestly think that Reading would be lucky to have him, as would League One. I know where he lives, and Reading is a lot easier for his helicopter to get to in two minutes, and he would be there. I promise you, if Mike Ashley buys Reading it would be the best thing for the Reading fans, not some guy or a joker coming on TalkSPORT who probably doesn’t have the money. Mike Ashley could buy it in an hour, and he’ll want a deal. He’ll get a deal. He’ll take them from League Two to the Prem in six years."

At the time of writing, no party has been offered exclusivity on a takeover but there are still multiple groups keen on acquiring the club.