Reading have agreed to extend exclusivity with an unnamed party, the Reading Chronicle understands.

The protracted takeover of Reading Football Club appeared to be heading in the right direction back in March when a two-month exclusivity period was signed.

As part of this agreement, all bills for March and April were covered.

This period of exclusivity ran out on Tuesday, May 21 and doubts remain over the viability of the deal, especially with other parties interested in acquiring the club.

However, Reading Chronicle understands that the unnamed party have agreed to an extension to exclusivity and covered the club's HMRC payment for May, as was the agreement for March and April.

Supporters remain concerned with the progress, or apparent lack of it, after little progression since March.

A BBC report confirms that 'original bidder has not undergone the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test yet as it is a consortium and is undecided who the intended and named owner would be.'

It also states that Dai Yongge and Nigel Howe, former CEO, are 'insistent events must progress within the next seven days or they will likely look to pursue the sale of the club with another of the interested parties.'

Fears remain over the futures of players, staff and future plans for next season, with boss Ruben Selles already publicly admitting that he cannot have another season like the last.

The Royals were hit with transfer embargoes, points deductions and winding-up petitions but managed to maintain League One status by nine points.