Ex-Premier League footballer Brian Deane remained tight-lipped over speculation he’s part of an English-based consortium in talks to buy Chesterfield Football Club.
The striker, capped three times by England, dodged questions about the potential takeover bid, saying: “I can’t really comment at this point.”
Chesterfield, which is on the brink of relegation from League Two, has been put up for sale by owner Dave Allen and a deal was agreed with a Chinese firm before Christmas.
However, it is understood a number of issues have arisen which threaten to derail the prospective takeover.
The football agent representing the Chinese interest, Lucas Cominelli told a local newspaper the deal was “on standby”.
The Spireites company secretary, Ashley Carson recently revealed that an English-based consortium was now in talks to buy the club.
It’s thought Deane, former Sheffield United chairman Reg Brealey, managing director of City Football Services at Manchester City Brian Marwood and ex Blades executive Andy Daykin were looking to acquire the Spireites.
Off-field speculation is the least of the club’s worries after a 4-1 defeat against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday all but sealed relegation.
Chesterfield sit nine points from safety with just three games to go and would have to overturn a huge goal difference in order to survive.
If relegated, it means next season Chesterfield FC will play outside of the Football League for the first time since 1921/22.
The club confirmed the departure of former Spireites striker Jack Lester, 42, as manager on Monday after spending seven months in charge.
Brealey was Blades chairman in the 80s and 90s and spent a short time as a director at Chesterfield.
He counts Lincoln City and Darlington among the clubs he was also involved with and attempted to take over St Mirren in 1998.
Deane was the scorer of the first ever goal in the FA Premier League in 1992 while playing for Sheffield United.
He also played in the Premier League for Leeds United and Middlesbrough as well as playing top-flight football in Portugal and Australia for Benfica and Perth Glory respectively.