The EFL has urged Bolton Wanderers to complete their takeover as soon as possible.
Bolton released a statement on their website over three weeks ago confirming the Football Ventures consortium as their preferred bidder for the acquisition of the club.
However, there has been a significant delay completing the takeover and with less than two weeks to go until the start of the new season, there is still so much uncertainty surrounding the immediate future of the club.
The Bolton News claim that the potential new owners' desire to buy the Bolton Whites Hotel alongside the club has caused the delay, which has consequently left the team's preparations for the new season in tatters.
The Bolton players expressed their concern about the club’s takeover in a statement last week, detailing the lack of communication during the administration process and the fact that they have not been paid by the club for several weeks.
The takeover is thought to be completed by the end of this week, but the EFL's executive chair Debbie Jevans has now urged the club to finalise the deal as soon as possible.
"The ongoing situation at Bolton Wanderers remains a significant concern for the EFL and we will continue our efforts with the administrators to find a solution," said Jevans, as quoted by BBC Sport.
"I urge all interested parties to work together to reach a successful conclusion as soon as possible with the season fast approaching."
The Verdict
It's been a disastrous few months for Bolton and there's still so much uncertainty surrounding the immediate future of the football club.
It seems that Football Ventures' desire to buy the hotel as well as the club is what has caused the delay and you can understand why they want that as part of the deal but it's not helping the team.
Even though those involved are optimistic that the takeover will be finalised by the end of the week, I'm sure Bolton fans won't be getting carried away, as they've seen their hopes dashed several times already this summer.
Jevans is right, it is absolutely vital that the club can complete the takeover as soon as possible.
Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.