WASPS have confirmed that the club is at advanced stages of discussions with four parties interested in becoming the its new owners.
Since owner Steve Hayes announced the club was for sale some months ago, a large number of parties had expressed an interest, and discussions are now focused on the final four parties who have all demonstrated that they are financially capable of completing a deal and supporting the club effectively going forward.
In each case the relationship between the club and these parties is governed by a strict contract of non-disclosure which means that no details of their identity may be disclosed in advance of a deal being completed.
In a statement released last Friday, the club said: “No preferred party has yet been selected but the club is confident that the process is now nearing conclusion.”
Current owner Steve Hayes has reiterated that a key factor in the final decision will be the plans for and ability to offer the club a sustainable and successful future.
Meanwhile, on the pitch the threat of relegation looms large after defeat to Exeter at the weekend. Wasps director of rugby Dai Young felt the controversial decision to penalise Simon McIntyre at a late attacking scrum cost his side the game.