Supporters' Trust at Reading [STAR] have been left 'deeply concerned' as the prolonged takeover of the club continues to drag on toward its third year.

Up for sale since autumn 2023, the club looks to remain under the ownership of Dai Yongge heading into 2025, a reality which strikes fear into all connected with the club after financially limping through the last 18 months.

Close to being sold to American Rob Couhig in the summer, the former Wycombe Wanderers chief is now set to force legal action on the club for breaching terms.

In talks with an unnamed party for over two months, the club confirmed in a statement on Thursday that the matter is taking longer than hoped.

STAR, reacting to the latest news, issued an emotional plea to all concerned to sell the club as soon as physically possible.

"STAR welcomes the communication from the Club, its acknowledgment of the stress this is causing our fanbase and its apparent willingness to be more transparent in the future. The culture of silence has been one of the ugliest traits of Dai Yongge's stewardship and we look forward to building a better relationship with new ownership in the future.

"Unfortunately, it seems that day is further away than we all would like. Whilst we take some comfort that efforts to sell the club are ongoing and appreciate the associated complexities, we have also heard it all before.

"Yet again, we find ourselves deeply concerned about the short-term funding of the Club, not least because the Club's previous two statements provided assurances that the club would be funded until a deal was completed. We also adore this group of players and are only too aware that the January transfer window is soon to open.

"For us, this is a matter of honour, integrity and decency. Dai Yongge’s ownership has been characterised by loss. We have lost 18 points, our Championship status, our Women’s team, the connection between club and fans, some of our best footballing talent for peanuts and - of course - hardworking and valued staff members lost their jobs.

"As a result, there is only one point worth driving. If Dai Yongge can find the money to repay Rob Couhig - he can find the money to fund Reading Football Club until a deal is concluded. For the second season in a row, our players are defying the off-the-pitch chaos and may even be capable of making a push for the playoffs. It would be a crying shame to lose that too.

"If there is any positive to be drawn from this update it is that - somehow - we still have a buyer trying to buy the Club. Whilst not wanting to do anything to jeopardise a deal, we also hope that the Club’s promise of future updates might include some details on who they are.

"To those involved in the negotiations, we have nothing else to say other than get it done. Our fans, players and staff deserve nothing less."

Reading host Harborough Town in the FA Cup on Sunday, with a place in round three up for grabs against the non-league outfit.